The Erosion of Etiquette: Shagufta Ali’s Critique of Modern Television Sets
The landscape of Indian television has undergone a seismic shift over the last three decades. From the era of meticulously scripted dramas and disciplined sets to the current high-octane, fast-paced production schedules, the industry has evolved—but according to veteran actress Shagufta Ali, the cost of this evolution has been the loss of tameez (etiquette) and tehzeeb (culture). In a recent reflection on the state of the entertainment industry, Ali expressed deep disappointment regarding the declining standards of professionalism and discipline among contemporary actors.
For an artist who has been a staple of Hindi cinema and television since the 1980s, the current environment on sets feels unrecognizable. Ali, known for her powerful performances in shows like Saans and Punarr Vivah, suggests that the atmosphere has become chaotic, bordering on toxic, as the focus shifts entirely toward meeting relentless daily deadlines.
A Departure from the Golden Age of Television
Shagufta Ali’s critique centers on the fundamental shift in how work is conducted on set. In previous decades, the hierarchy was respected, and there was a palpable sense of decorum. Actors arrived prepared, directors maintained a calm command, and there was a mutual respect between the crew and the talent. Today, Ali observes that this structure has collapsed. She points to a culture where directors are frequently forced to shout to get the attention of actors who are often distracted by their phones or personal entourages.
This lack of discipline, Ali argues, is not just a personal failing but a systemic issue that impacts the quality of the final product. When the sanctity of the set is compromised, the nuance and subtlety required for great acting are often lost in the noise.
The Comparison: Then vs. Now
To understand the depth of Ali’s concerns, it is necessary to look at the factors that defined the work culture of the past versus the pressures of the present day.
| Feature | The "Golden Era" Sets | Modern TV Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Actors arrived with lines memorized. | Reliance on teleprompters/last-minute cues. |
| Discipline | Strict adherence to call times. | Frequent delays and distractions. |
| Communication | Respectful dialogue between crew. | High-stress environment; frequent shouting. |
| Focus | Performance-driven storytelling. | Deadline and TRP-driven production. |
The Impact of the "Daily Soap" Culture
One of the primary drivers of this degradation is the relentless pressure of the daily soap format. With episodes being churned out in record time to keep up with competitive TRP ratings, the time available for rehearsals and character development has dwindled. This "factory-style" production often leads to frayed nerves, where directors are under immense pressure to deliver, leading to the shouting matches that Ali describes.
Ali’s comments serve as a wake-up call for the industry. She emphasizes that while technology and production values have advanced, the human element—the respect for one's craft and one's colleagues—must remain the bedrock of the profession. Without these values, the art of storytelling loses its soul, becoming a mechanical process rather than a creative endeavor.
A Call for Restoring Professionalism
The veteran actor’s perspective is not born out of bitterness, but from a place of concern for the future of the medium she has dedicated her life to. She believes that for the Indian television industry to truly flourish, it needs to return to the basics: punctuality, preparation, and a culture of mutual respect.
As the industry continues to grapple with the demands of digital streaming and changing audience preferences, the lessons offered by seasoned veterans like Shagufta Ali remain invaluable. Reclaiming the tameez and tehzeeb of the set may be the very thing needed to elevate Indian television from a repetitive cycle to a platform of genuine artistic excellence once again.
