After decades of captivating audiences, veteran actress Gulfam Khan Hussain believes Indian television is facing one major problem—weak storytelling.
Although the industry has made significant progress in technology and infrastructure, she feels the quality of narratives has declined. Known for memorable performances in Naamkarann, Bhagyalakshmi, Diya Aur Baati Hum, and Talaash, Hussain says her passion for acting remains as strong as ever.
The Passion for Acting Remains Strong
Even after years in the industry, Hussain continues to approach every project with excitement. For her, the joy of becoming a character is what keeps her motivated.
“The fire in my belly gets fiercer every day,” she says. “I don’t care if I do films, OTT or TV. When the director says action, I transform into a character, and I still get nervous before every new shoot. That’s what keeps me going.”
Moreover, she believes those pre-shoot nerves are a good sign. They remind her to respect every role and give each performance her complete commitment.
A Cameo That Became a Career Milestone
Looking back, Hussain says one role changed her career forever—Rasili Bai in Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan.
Initially, the character was supposed to be just a cameo. However, she spent a week studying kotha culture to prepare for the role. As a result, the cameo evolved into a full-fledged character that stayed until the show’s finale.
Recognition Beyond India
The success of Rasili Bai reached audiences far beyond India.
For instance, Hussain recalls meeting a Swiss woman who recognized her from the show. She also met a group of Bedouin girls in Egypt who had watched its dubbed version.
“Those moments taught me that genuine talent can travel farther than anyone imagines,” she says.
Technology Has Improved, But Storytelling Hasn’t
Hussain acknowledges that television production has improved in many ways. Today’s sets have better technology, safer working conditions, and modern facilities.
However, she believes these advancements have not been matched by stronger content.
“The storytelling is weak and dragging,” she says. “The ratio of inflation versus payment has gone bad, and a lot of half-cooked talent has arrived. Just because they’re pocket-friendly, they replace better ones.”
Strong Writing Is Missing
According to Hussain, television once thrived because every character contributed to the story.
Neighbours, relatives, and supporting characters all played meaningful roles. Consequently, viewers became emotionally invested in every episode.
Today, she feels that depth is disappearing.
“Every character had a purpose,” she explains. “Detailing, storytelling, and character building are missing now.”
Why Many Shows End Quickly
As a result of weaker writing, Hussain believes many television shows fail to retain audiences.
Without layered characters and engaging narratives, stories become repetitive. Consequently, viewers lose interest, and many serials wrap up within a few months of their launch.
Hope for Better Roles
Despite her concerns, Hussain remains optimistic about the future.
She believes meaningful characters are still being written and hopes to continue playing such roles.
“It would be wrong to say those kinds of roles aren’t written anymore,” she says. “They are, which is why I’m still doing them, and I’m hoping I’ll get more.”
Storytelling Must Take Center Stage Again
In the end, Gulfam Khan Hussain believes the future of Indian television depends on one thing—strong storytelling.
As competition from films and OTT platforms continues to grow, she feels compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and emotionally engaging scripts will remain television’s biggest strength.
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