Renowned television writer Bhavna Vyas, who has penned the screenplays for successful shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH), Anupamaa, Woh Toh Hai Albelaa, Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, Siya Ke Ram, and Kaala Teeka, shared her thoughts on the evolving landscape of storytelling on television. Known for her expertise in writing compelling narratives, Bhavna emphasized the importance of executing classic formulas, particularly love triangles, with care and precision.
“Formulas always sell and will keep selling, but only when done right,” Bhavna explained. She believes that love triangles can still captivate audiences, but the success of such narratives heavily depends on the quality of the writing. “Not every love triangle will garner desired results if not written well,” she added, highlighting that even tried-and-true storytelling mechanisms must be executed thoughtfully.
Reflecting on the evolution of television storytelling over the years, Bhavna pointed to the increasing pace and content demands faced by writers today. “The biggest change is the pace of storytelling and the amount of content we have to create to telecast seven days,” she shared. With TV shows airing more frequently, creative teams must consistently deliver fresh and engaging content. “Creative changes are bound to happen with time, but the two mentioned above are the biggest changes I personally feel.”
Despite shifts in trends, Bhavna is confident that certain staples of Indian television will endure, particularly the Saas-Bahu dramas that have long been a favorite in households. “The Saas Bahu saga can never be over. Itne saalo mein Hindustan ke gharo mein saas bahu khatm nahi huya. TV mein kahe se ho jaayega?” (In so many years, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law have not ended in Indian homes. Why will it happen on TV?), she said, expressing her belief that this dynamic will continue to be a core part of Indian television storytelling.
When asked about emerging trends in screenplay writing, Bhavna noted that pace and high drama are becoming increasingly essential. “New trends in terms of screenplay writing are pace and high drama,” she concluded.
As one of the leading voices in Indian television, Bhavna Vyas’s insights provide a clear understanding of the ongoing changes in the industry and what continues to resonate with viewers.
