Shubhangi Latkar seen in Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan reflects on the medium that has shaped her both as an artist and as an audience member. For her, television isn’t just a profession it is a lifelong relationship filled with emotion, nostalgia and evolution.
“Television has been such an integral part of my journey,” she shares. “Not just as an actor, but also as someone who grew up watching it. It shaped how we communicate, how we connect and even how we dream. It has given me so much stability, recognition and a bond with millions of viewers.”
Shubhangi’s bond with television began long before she entered the industry. “I still remember gathering around the TV with my family, waiting eagerly for our favourite weekly Chaayageet every Friday,” she recalls with a smile. “It was a ritual, a moment of togetherness. And the excitement of those days when episodes of Mahabharat felt like a festival is something I still cherish deeply. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was an event.”
“From black-and-white screens to high-definition storytelling, we’ve come such a long way. And now, with OTT entering every home, the way people consume content is completely transformed,” she says. “Yet, at its heart, television remains a shared experience. It still brings families together. It keeps our elders engaged, entertained and emotionally connected. That role of TV remains priceless.”
Despite the surge of digital platforms, Shubhangi believes television continues to hold its own emotional power. “As an actor, I feel television builds a relationship like no other,” she explains. “When people see you on their screens every day, they start seeing you as part of their household. That intimacy, that familiarity — no other medium can fully replace it. It’s a unique bond.”
For her, the emotional pull of television remains strong. “Yes, absolutely,” she says. “Daily soaps and reality shows continue to touch hearts because they mirror real emotions, real relationships and the everyday joys and struggles of life. Formats may evolve, but the core human connection remains the same. That is why television is still loved so deeply.”
If given a chance, Shubhangi would love to revive the era of soulful simplicity. “I would bring back the time of simple, meaningful storytelling,” she says. “Shows that stayed with you long after the episode ended. There was warmth, innocence and honesty in those stories. That charm is something I still miss and I believe audiences miss it too.”
