In recent times the quality of programs or soap operas on Indian television has deteriorated drastically. Majority of TV channels show very similar kind of programs, which are either based on problems faced by joint Indian families or inevitable conflicts between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. They are so mundane and monotonous. I prefer watching sports or travel show, or wildlife related programs, but my Mom obviously likes to watch the so-called family shows, which results in a fight with my mom.

This trend was started by Ekta Kapoor, who dominates Indian television with as many as 8 shows. Her show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was an instant hit among housewives, in fact the show is running for the past seven years. Seeing the success of the show several producers began to pen down similar plots, making television viewing unbearable.

Here is a quick look at the few striking similarities in Indian TV shows –

- Excessive make-up dabbed all over their face.
- The extra-glamorous look even if it doesn’t suit the actor
- Over dramatized scenes and come on guys stop those melodramatic scenes, you’ll are really going overboard
- Why does every program have the same story line? Lack of creativity or all the story lines have been beaten to death
- There has to be some sort of internal conflict between family members.
- The guy’s family would never approve of the girl.

Such is the sad state of Indian television. Even if they do decide to do something unconventional and different, it ends up being an inspiration (ya right) from the West - the Indian version of American Idol, or Big Brother or even Friends. People watch whatever is showed to them.