Shefali Shah’ Critique: TRP Games Killing Indian TV Storytelling

New Delhi, December 02, 2025: Veteran actor Shefali Shah, celebrated for her compelling performances in films and web series like Delhi Crime, has voiced a sharp critique of modern Indian television shows, pointing out a fundamental flaw: the unending plotlines driven solely by Television Rating Points (TRPs).

In a recent interview, Shah drew a clear contrast between the TV shows of her time and those being produced today. “Firstly, there used to be a proper beginning, middle, and end. Now, there is no end!” she stated, reflecting on a significant shift in storytelling.

The Tyranny of the TRP

Shah’s most pointed comment highlighted the desperate measures taken by production houses to boost ratings: “TRP nahi chal raha toh iss character ko mar daalo” (If the TRP isn’t doing well, then kill off this character).

This casual mention of character deaths or abrupt storyline changes encapsulates the high-stakes, ratings-first approach that she believes has replaced a commitment to quality content. She reminisced about an era where the focus was on a strong, consistent story arc, and the commitment from writers and directors remained steady from start to finish.

Quality Over Quantity: A Lost Focus

The actor, who started her journey in television with shows that had a finite run, stressed that the original intent was to create “good content” and prioritize “quality, not quantity.”

Today’s daily soaps, often running for hundreds of episodes, face a relentless daily deadline. This constant pressure to deliver new content, combined with the need to constantly monitor and react to TRP fluctuations, can lead to hurried, illogical, and repetitive plot twists.

Shah noted the visual and narrative similarity in current shows, saying, “I can’t make out one show from the other, sab ek hi tarike se dressed up rehte he” (I can’t distinguish one show from another; they are all dressed up in the same manner). This sentiment echoes a wider feeling that Indian TV is stuck in a creative rut, recycling the same tropes for fear of losing their core audience.

The OTT Alternative

Shah’s successful transition to the Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming space—where shows are typically shorter, pre-planned, and have a clear conclusion—highlights the path many creative voices are choosing. OTT platforms have given rise to narrative-driven shows, offering actors and creators the creative freedom to focus on strong character development and a well-defined storyline, free from the daily pressures of TRP-based editing.

While high TRP serials remain a cultural fixture and a huge commercial success in India, Shah’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the trade-off. Is the industry sacrificing meaningful, well-rounded stories for the temporary thrill of a ratings spike? Her observation calls for a deeper look into the future of mainstream Indian television and whether a balance between commercial viability and creative integrity can be restored.