Indian TV Tackles Tough Issues
TV, movies, radio, have long served as a voice on current social issues, political issues, economic issues, taking a stand on one side or the other. Who cannot recall the year superstar artists Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springstein, Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Ray Charles, and a whole host of other famous singers came together to sing the timeless "We Are the World"? Indian Zee TV is no different, with its many acclaimed series such as Ram Milaayi Jodi (also known by its complete name, Preet Se Bandhi Ye Dori Ram Milaayi Jodi), which tackles the challenges of marriages and alliances between various Indian sects and broadcasts a social message of peaceful coexistence. Of course, all of this is to the backdrop of some great comedy and romance wherein Mona, a Sikh Punjabi girl, falls in love with and marries Anukalp, a Gujarati boy. Great acting is also par for the course, starring acclaimed Indian actors Sara Khan in the role of Mona, Angad Hasija in the role of Aditya Gandhi, Mona's second husband after the death of Anukalp, and renowned actor Krutika Desai, who plays Bharati Gandhi or Ambaji, Anukalp’s mother.
Women's rights as well as the plights of minorities in a majority society are additional long-standing social issues addressed on Indian television. Another popular Zee TV romance and daily soap opera is Afsar Bitiya (which means "Officer Daughter" in the Hindi language), telling the tale of a determined woman who refuses to relinquish her dream as she fights for an officer position normally granted exclusively to men. The main character, Krishna Raj, portrayed by actress Mitali Nag, is looked up to not only at home, but is extremely popular among Indian communities in the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in Guyana. Besides the overriding topic of discrimination, poverty and economic hardship are other hard-hitting issues addressed in the series.
If you are not familiar with Indian culture, the country is comprised of a multitude of ethnic groups, religions, tribes, and castes, making all of the issues tackled on ZEE TV extremely relevant among India's one billion residents. The main religions in the country are Hinduism and Islam, while other faiths include Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and the Bahá'í Faith. Watching Indian television, you are also privy to a front-row seat and close-up view of many fascinating Indian traditions, ceremonies, and rituals, such as those surrounding Indian weddings and bridal preparation customs. And of course,Indiais home to Bollywood, the globe's largest film industry and the counterpart to the Western world's Hollywood.
The Zee TV satellite channel, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, is only one of scores of Indian television networks. ETV Kanada is yet another leading Indian family entertainment channel, and most TV packages in India allow you to watch your favorite shows on your PC or via Video on Demand (VOD). Soap operas are a clear favorite in India (you might also want to check out Hitler Didi in this genre, the storyline and acting of which have earned the show many accolades and awards), however there is also plenty of action, reality, news, comedy, drama, and cultural music programs to enjoy as well.
Islam: Empire of Faith. Part 1: Prophet Muhammad and rise of Islam (full; PBS Documentary)
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