There is herd mentality on TV: Mukesh Khanna

Noted television actor Mukesh Khanna feels it is the insecurity to try something new that has been pulling down the small screen where nobody is thinking outside the box.
Khanna, who has been a part of iconic shows like "Shaktimaan" and "Mahabharat", says the TV industry follows a herd mentality with little scope of taking risks.
"Today, there is a herd mentality in TV. Nobody is thinking out-of-the-box. 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' worked because it was new, then 100 shows on the same lines followed. When 'Balika Vadhu' came, everybody started doing the same," Khanna told PTI in an interview.

"The producers see what is selling and concentrate on making just that. It is extremely sad. TV channels should take risk, try different things. Change is needed badly," he said.
The 58-year-old actor says producers have the mentality that evening shows are watched primarily by women, and thus end up churning out similar content.
"Another problem is, they think the 7 to 11 PM time slot is only meant for ladies. So once you have that thinking that only women will watch your shows, all your content will be the same."

"It is time we come out with shows for men too. I alway say this. Why leave the men out? I am not at all happy with the content these days," the actor said.

Meanwhile, Khanna, who plays Lalaji on &TV's "Waaris", will soon be seen exiting the series as his character is about to die. The show, which deals with the issue of bringing up a girl child as a boy, is set for a seven-year leap.
"I knew it would be a short role, almost like a cameo but I loved doing it. There was nothing left for my character to do in the show. I am just happy they have used me as a catalyst for a good cause," he said.
He feels more shows like "Waaris" should be made to highlight social issues through the medium of TV.

"We need to see more shows like this which deal with social issues. I had initially not planned to do another drama show, but I really found the subject interesting. Content like this should come out more through TV," Khanna opined.