On World Television Day 2024, Ali Merchant shared his thoughts on how television has shaped his personal and professional life. From his favourite childhood shows to the future of Indian television, Ali spoke candidly.
Reminiscing about his growing-up years, Ali revealed the shows that influenced him. He told Zoom, "As a kid, I loved watching mystery shows and cartoons. CID was one of my all-time favourites – solving mysteries with the team was always thrilling. I also enjoyed shows like Shaktimaan for its superhero appeal. On the lighter side, Tom and Jerry was a constant source of entertainment. These shows sparked my imagination and love for storytelling."
When asked about television's impact on his life, Ali spoke about how it was a key part of his journey. "Television has played a significant role in my life. Personally, it was a source of entertainment and learning during my childhood, especially mystery shows that made me curious and creative. Professionally, television was my stepping stone into acting. It gave me the opportunity to work with incredible people, build my skills, and connect with a vast audience. Television was where I began my career, and I owe a lot to the medium for giving me the platform to grow as an actor."
ALSO READ – World Television Day 2024: Isha Malviya Is A Shin-Chan Fan, Says 'I Still Watch Cartoons' – EXCLUSIVE
In today’s era of OTT platforms, where digital content is booming, Ali believes television still holds a special place. He shared, "OTT has definitely changed the game with its vast range of content and flexibility. However, Indian Television still holds its own, offering family-friendly shows that bring people together."
While TV could evolve in terms of content and format, both TV and OTT have their own charm. TV brings a sense of continuity and connection, while OTT brings fresh and innovative content," Ali signed off.