Veteran actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan has reignited the long-standing debate on giving television its rightful place in India’s highest cinematic honours. In a passionate interview with a leading entertainment portal on January 20, 2026, Ravi declared: “Time TV got its due. The National Awards have celebrated films for decades—now it’s time they recognise the actors, directors, writers, and technicians who have shaped television and reached hundreds of millions of homes every day.”
The Call for Inclusion
Ravi Kishan, who has balanced a successful career in both Bhojpuri cinema and mainstream Hindi television (Bigg Boss, Nach Baliye, Nach Baliye 8), argued that the current National Film Awards framework largely ignores television despite its massive cultural and social impact. He pointed out:
- Daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kumkum Bhagya, and Anupamaa have influenced fashion, language, family dynamics, and even social awareness campaigns for over two decades.
- Actors such as Smriti Irani, Ronit Roy, Hina Khan, Erica Fernandes, and Rupali Ganguly have built pan-India stardom through television—often with deeper audience connect than many film stars.
- Writers, directors, and music composers in TV have created iconic content under tight deadlines and budget constraints, yet remain ineligible for National recognition.
“Television is not ‘small screen’ anymore—it’s the biggest screen in most Indian homes,” Ravi said. “When a show runs for 10–15 years, it becomes part of the national fabric. Why should its creators be excluded from the country’s highest artistic honour?”
Historical Context & Precedents
The National Film Awards, instituted in 1954, have occasionally honoured television-related work (e.g., Best Educational Film or Best Promotional Film categories), but there is no dedicated category for television fiction, acting, direction, or music. Ravi suggested creating parallel categories—such as Best Television Actor/Actress, Best TV Serial, Best TV Director—or integrating TV work into existing categories when the content qualifies as “national importance.”
Industry Echo & Fan Support
Ravi’s statement has received strong backing from the television fraternity. Actors like Shabbir Ahluwalia, Sriti Jha, and Vivian Dsena reshared his interview clip, while Ekta Kapoor (Balaji Telefilms) commented: “TV has been the backbone of Indian storytelling for generations. Recognition is long overdue.” Fans launched #NationalAwardsForTV and #TVGotItsDue, trending on X and Instagram.
A Recognition Horizon Awaits
Ravi Kishan’s demand isn’t complaint—it’s ignition. As television’s giants demand their place, small-screen stories gain national respect, and creators receive their due, it affirms: Every medium that moves hearts summons honour in art’s ceaseless charge.
-By Manoj H