Is Indian Television Really Regresive? Rupali Ganguly and Divy Nidhi Sharma Weigh In!

In a recent interview, Rupali Ganguly and Divy Nidhi Sharma shed light on the evolving landscape of Indian television. They discuss the portrayal of women in the industry, the challenges faced by female actors, and the significant strides made in empowering women over the years. With Rupali's success in 'Anupamaa' and Divy's insights on the industry's dynamics, this article explores whether Indian television is truly regressive or a platform for female empowerment. Discover their thoughts on the future of women in television and Divy's latest project, 'Chiraiya', streaming now.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 16:35 IST

Rupali Ganguly's Impact on Indian Television

Since its debut in 2020, the television series led by Rupali Ganguly has captivated audiences with its engaging plot twists and character arcs. Despite the competition, this daily drama continues to dominate the TRP charts. In a recent discussion, the show's creator emphasized the significance of developing strong female characters. In an exclusive interview, he defended the television industry against accusations of being 'regressive', asserting that women play a pivotal role in shaping its narrative. He also pointed out the difficulties faced by middle-aged actresses in finding substantial roles in films, while highlighting Rupali Ganguly's sustained success on the small screen.

Divy Nidhi Sharma Defends Television's Reputation

Divy Nidhi Sharma asserts television isn't regressive

In a candid conversation, Divy Nidhi Sharma expressed her gratitude for being part of the Indian television industry, which often faces criticism for being 'regressive'. She noted that the contributions of women in this field are frequently overlooked, as many leading producers are female.

'Rupali Ganguly is a Superstar'

'Rupali Ganguly is a superstar'

He remarked, “Whether it’s Ekta Kapoor or Gul Khan, Indian television has empowered women for the past 20-25 years. We witness a shift in patriarchal norms in a space that we have labeled regressive in our minds. The film industry hasn’t seen such transformations. In the Hindi film sector, an actress in her 40s cannot land a leading role, yet Rupali Ganguly has emerged as the biggest star in her mid-40s.”

A Call for More Female Representation

Divy Nidhi Sharma aspires for more opportunities for female producers and directors

Divy concluded by emphasizing the need for recognition in the industry. She stated, “Previously, men found it challenging to take orders from women. This is a significant change that Indian television has brought about. Such dynamics are still absent in films. Even today, there are fewer female producers and directors, and I hope this increases. If society has 50 percent women, the workforce must have equal representation.”

Divy's Latest Project

Divy’s latest project, Chiraiya, is now streaming on JioHotstar, featuring a talented cast including Divya Dutta and Prasanna Bisht.