Bollywood Stars Who Rolled with It: Irrfan Khan and More Actors Who Began in Television
In celebration of World Television Day 2024, we take a walk down memory lane and highlight the journey of several successful Bollywood actors who got their start on the small screen.
Hyderabad: The world is set to mark this year's World Television Day, set aside to appreciate the pivotal role television plays in our lives. With the continued rise of streaming services and the internet, some may speculate that television's significance could be dwindling. Nevertheless, TV serves as a strong reminder of its profound impact on culture, society, and personal lives.
Birth Story of Television
The origin of television is dated to the inventive hands of American inventor Philo Taylor Farnsworth in 1927. He developed the first electrical television system that would transform how people accessed information and entertainment. However, it was Charles Francis Jenkins who established the first mechanical television station, W3XK, which had its official broadcast a year later – signifying the advent of television-based communication.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted November 21st as World Television Day through resolution 51/205 on December 17, 1996. The choice was heavily influenced by TV's growing recognition as an influential platform for communication, education and social change that occurred at the same year. That year also saw hosting of the First World Television Forum on November 21-22, which led a lineup of media figures to congregate in order to discuss the evolving capacity of television in evolving worlds.
Significance of TV Day
World Television Day focuses on the establishment and continued impact of television in contemporary society. From offering news, entertainment and information exchanged among billions across the world to having its real-time broadcasts and high-quality content, television has evolved into a vital medium despite the rise of new technologies like social media and smartphones.
Beyond providing essential updates, TV continues to host vital documentaries, educational programs, that shapes public opinion as well promotes global awareness. From being top source for information to serving limitless channels of entertainment, TV has preserved its status through various decades. Millions depend on watching their favorite TV programmes and news broadcasts daily. For a growing share of people, watching beloved TV shows becomes routine viewing.
Indian Television: Evolution
Indian television history stretches back as far as 1959 with support from the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), marking its successful introduction to the Indian market. As part of the effort to broaden entertainment options and enrich lives across India, there was the launch of Doordarshan in 1959, which functioned as a medium providing critical updates to millions for many decades following.
India witnessed an explosion in popularity with popular television shows launched in the very early Nineties like Ramayan and Mahabharat. These TV series not only achieved mass appeal as cultural touchstones of India but also significantly influenced media landscapes within this diverse country.
However, with increasing global interconnectedness due to the growth of international networks and channels it was natural that more content choices become available for consumers, thereby expanding horizons for their viewing preferences.