Zohaib Siddiqui, starring in Shemaroo Umang’s latest offering, ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan,’ has shared insights into the transformative journey of television storytelling, reflecting on its shift from dramatized narratives to portraying genuine, relatable emotions.
Siddiqui, playing the role of Keshava father embroiled in a legal battle for his son’s custodyhas observed a significant change in audience preferences, noting a growing appetite for authenticity in storytelling.
“The industry is constantly evolving, and as actors, we have to grow with it, and I’m excited to continue adapting to what the audience wants. I’m grateful to be part of this change, and I hope to keep delivering performances that resonate with people. Television shows used to be all about high-intensity drama and a lot of over-the-top emotions. That was the style back then, and it’s what the audience enjoyed. We, as actors, knew that the more dramatic a scene, the more it would be appreciated. It was the norm, and everyone delivered what was expected.”
“But now, things have changed. People want to see something real, something that reflects their own lives and experiences. Audiences now prefer more natural, method-style acting that feels relatable and genuine. In my current show, Main Dil Tum Dhadkan, I play Keshav, a father who is fighting for the custody of his son, a child he didn’t even know existed. It’s a very emotional journey, and my character behaves exactly how any father in reality would, going to court, doing everything in his power to be with his child. The audience now wants more than just drama; they want truth. As actors, it’s our job to deliver that. With Main Dil Tum Dhadkan, we’re focusing on real emotions, and the response has been incredible. It shows that viewers are connecting with this new, more honest style of storytelling.”
Taking a step back, Siddiqui reminisces about the era when television thrived on exaggerated emotions and heightened drama, a time when the intensity of a scene directly correlated with its appreciation by the audience. This approach, he recalls, was once the cornerstone of television entertainment, aligning perfectly with viewer expectations. However, as the tides have turned, Siddiqui expresses his excitement and readiness to navigate the evolving landscape of television, aiming to meet the newfound desire for stories that mirror the complexities and truths of real life.
Siddiqui’s portrayal of Keshav in ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan’ underscores this evolution, offering a narrative deeply rooted in the realities of parental love and the legal and emotional struggles it can entail. The shift toward this more grounded form of storytelling, Siddiqui suggests, not only challenges actors to hone their craft in new and meaningful ways but also resonates more profoundly with audiences, who now seek reflections of their own experiences on screen.
As television continues to mirror the changing dynamics of society and human emotion, ‘Main Dil Tum Dhadkan’ emerges as a testament to this shift. Embracing this new era of storytelling, Siddiqui invites viewers to tune into Shemaroo Umang, where the show airs Monday to Saturday at 8.30 pm, promising a journey that bridges the gap between drama and the genuine, pulsating beats of the human heart.
