Hrishikesh Pandey: TV needs to change the way it portrays women

Actor Hrishikesh Pandey, known for his role as Inspector Sachin in CID Season 2, strongly believes that Indian television needs to evolve in its portrayal of women. He emphasizes the need for more realistic storytelling, ensuring that the content reflects real-life scenarios rather than outdated stereotypes.
“I feel that TV needs to change the way it portrays women. The kind of content being shown doesn’t even reflect reality, not even in rural areas. It’s time for television to become more realistic. With the rise of OTT platforms, content has become more competitive, and TV needs to keep up. I understand that television is TRP-driven, but as creators, we have a responsibility for what we put out. We cannot just create random content that neither educates nor inspires the next generation. Instead, we need to tell stories that make sense and truly connect with audiences,” Hrishikesh shares.
He strongly opposes the outdated damsel-in-distress trope, advocating for a shift towards stronger female characters. “Women today are independent and capable of making their own choices. Nobody can dictate what they should or shouldn’t do. They are strong enough to follow their dreams, so why not show that on screen?” he questions.

Beyond television, Hrishikesh stresses the importance of responsibility in communication. “Everyone needs to be mindful of what they say and do. Even if you’re not a public figure, you still have a duty to be responsible. We live in a society where saying ‘It’s my opinion, it’s my life’ is not enough. Words have an impact. In recent times, we’ve seen how reckless statements from different people have caused unnecessary controversies. When you achieve something in life, people look up to you. Every word you say matters,” he adds.
Hrishikesh also acknowledges the power of social media in giving women a strong platform. “A lot of women are doing great work online. I’ve seen some incredible content, and the best part is that no one can stop them from expressing themselves. However, it’s crucial to use these platforms responsibly. What we say and share influences people, so we need to be mindful of our impact,” he explains.

When asked about his role model, Hrishikesh fondly mentions his mother. “I look up to my mother because she has always been a pillar of strength. She has never compromised when it came to raising me with strong values. Her self-respect, hard work, and sacrifices for our family are qualities that I deeply admire. She balanced everything while ensuring our well-being,” he says.

With changing times and evolving audience expectations, Hrishikesh hopes to see content that empowers and inspires, reflecting the real strength of women in today’s world.