Actor Manas Shah has expressed serious concerns about the current state of Indian television, stating that the industry has become creatively stagnant and increasingly disconnected from modern audiences. While continuing to work in television, the Yeh Hai Chahatein actor admitted that the medium no longer offers the kind of challenging or meaningful opportunities that inspire him as a performer.
Speaking candidly about the industry's current landscape, Shah said that television has stopped evolving and continues to rely on repetitive storytelling instead of experimenting with fresh ideas. According to him, the decline in originality has directly impacted both the quality of content and audience engagement.
"Nothing is exciting me as an actor right now. Television simply doesn't want to do anything new, and that's why its quality and presentation continue to decline," he said. "We are still repackaging the same concepts that worked years ago instead of creating something original."
The actor believes this lack of innovation is creating a widening gap between television and younger viewers. He pointed out that Gen Z audiences consume global, high-quality digital content and expect storytelling that reflects their experiences and aspirations.
"Today's young audiences are extremely smart. Unfortunately, television isn't creating content they can relate to, which is why many of them have shifted to films and web series," Shah explained. "World-class web content is now available, so viewers naturally choose platforms that offer better stories."
Sharing his concerns about the future of the medium, Shah warned that television risks becoming increasingly irrelevant if it fails to raise its creative standards. He suggested that unless broadcasters embrace innovation, the industry could face a significant decline in the coming years.
The conversation also touched upon the growing influence of social media personalities in the entertainment industry. Shah believes that the rapid rise of influencer culture after the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered casting priorities, often placing popularity above professional acting skills.
According to him, acting requires years of study, discipline, and practical training. However, he observed that many productions now prefer influencers with large online followings, even when they lack formal acting experience.
He further noted that this trend is visible across web series as well, where digital creators are increasingly being cast in prominent roles. While acknowledging the marketing value influencers bring, Shah maintained that commercial appeal should not replace acting ability when it comes to storytelling.
"In advertisements and brand promotions, influencers have an important role. But films and television should prioritise performance because audiences ultimately connect with believable acting," he said.
The actor also expressed concern that professionally trained performers are finding fewer opportunities as casting decisions increasingly focus on social media reach, appearance, and public visibility. He added that meaningful talent is often overlooked in favour of viral popularity and sensationalism.
Despite his criticism of the industry's current direction, Shah remains actively involved in new projects. He revealed that the second season of Burari Kaand: House of Secrets is currently in production, although he chose not to disclose further details about the cast. He also shared that he will soon be seen portraying a paranormal activist in another upcoming web series.
Through his observations, Manas Shah has reignited an important discussion about creativity, quality storytelling, and the balance between digital influence and professional talent in India's evolving entertainment industry.
