Mutual influence

Vaishali Arora, who plays the role of Ria in Rahul Tewary and Rolling Tales Production’s Udne Ki Aasha, says both society and TV influence each other. She adds that many new things are introduced on TV, which are adopted by society.

“I think it works both ways, pretty much 50-50. Sometimes, what’s happening in society is picked up by writers and producers, which is then showcased on television, making it more relatable for the audience. It helps them connect with us, the actors, and at the same time, it sends out messages. On the flip side, new and creative things are often introduced — something different, something liberal. People watching shows or any visual medium get attached to the stories and characters. They start picking up on the things they see,” she says.

She adds, “For example, I’ve been getting a lot of messages from young girls who love the sense of style of Ria, my character. They want to dress like her, ride a Scooty, and be independent. So, it’s a bit of a mix. Most daily soaps beautifully resonate with the values and beliefs of society while also trying to reflect certain issues and bring about change.”

About her own show, she says, “When you look at the stories and characters, you’ll notice that the essence — the crux — of the story is rooted in a strong belief system. My character, Ria, resonates with girls because she has a strong value system, even though she’s modern. She loves and cares deeply for her husband, which connects with the audience. If you pay attention to each scene, you’ll see that almost everything reflects society.