Vaishali Arora on TV being influenced by society: Works both ways

Actress Vaishali Arora, who plays the role of Ria in Rahul Tewary and Rolling Tales Production’s Udne Ki Aasha, says that both society and TV influence each other. She says 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.”

Talking 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. For example, the importance of being honest, being a great wife, daughter, or mother, and how today’s women have strong voices. 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.”

She adds, “The show is influencing people in different ways. For instance, Sachin’s bold nature, Sailee’s soft and honest demeanour, and Ria’s smart and strong thinking all leave an impression on viewers. I know this through the messages and reviews I receive. People also take away lessons from things they don’t agree with. For example, in recent episodes, Ria and Akash eloped. Although the audience loves them, they also understand that this wasn’t the right way to handle things. They could have had a proper discussion and gotten married with everyone’s blessings. I’m curious to see how the story unfolds so that viewers understand why they took that step and how things can be resolved.”

She says that this makes her show stand apart. “One of the unique aspects of our show is that every character is important and contributes to the story, unlike many other shows where the focus is mainly on two lead characters. In our show, even smaller scenes have a purpose, and their significance becomes clear in later episodes. This is something we’re doing differently. Moreover, Indian culture is nicely woven into the storyline, setting us apart from other shows currently on air. When it comes to characters, everything depends on how well they are written. If written well, even a short but impactful character can make a lasting impression and contribute to the storyline. However, over time, short characters might be forgotten. On the other hand, long-term characters have more recall value because they consistently contribute to the story. Viewers remember them for a longer period,” she says.