Indian medical dramas have a long history on television, but they’ve often been far removed from the raw, real-life scenarios we see in Western shows. While the genre has explored hospital settings and doctor-patient relationships, the focus was typically on the personal lives of the characters, not the medical details. However, the new JioCinema series Doctors is changing that by offering a much more realistic portrayal of hospital life. Actors Sharad Kelkar and Harleen Sethi, who star in the show, share their insights into how OTT platforms have allowed for greater freedom and authenticity in storytelling.
Breaking TV Restrictions: A Fresh Approach to Medical Dramas
Harleen Sethi, who plays Dr. Nitya, the lead character in Doctors, believes the major difference between OTT shows and television lies in the freedom to present a more authentic representation of life and death. She recounts a conversation with producer Siddharth P Malhotra, known for his work on shows like Sanjeevani and Dil Mill Gayye, where he explained the constraints of TV medical dramas. “When he made medical dramas for TV, they weren’t allowed to show death,” she says. “How can you show the full range of emotions and the complexities of characters when you can’t depict life’s harsh realities, like death or blood?”
This limitation, according to Harleen, often held back TV dramas from portraying the full depth of the medical profession. But with the rise of streaming platforms like JioCinema, Doctors has been able to break free from such restrictions.
OTT Platforms Offer Greater Detail and Realism
Sharad Kelkar, a seasoned actor with experience in both television and cinema, agrees with Harleen’s point. He explains that the detailing and realism that OTT platforms offer make them a better fit for shows like Doctors. “On OTT, there’s much more attention to detail. This level of detail is missing on television, and honestly, audiences are not as interested in that. They want more drama,” Sharad observes.
For years, TV shows were limited by time slots, censorship rules, and a focus on high-drama elements to appeal to a wider audience. However, the format of streaming platforms allows for more complex and nuanced storytelling. Sharad believes this freedom enhances the medical drama genre, making it more reflective of real-life situations and emotions.
Touching on Sensitive Topics: A New Level of Honesty
One of the biggest advantages of OTT platforms is the ability to tackle sensitive and difficult topics, something that would have been impossible on traditional TV. Harleen highlights some of the bold themes Doctors explores, including euthanasia and organ donation. “The kind of illnesses and issues we have talked about here – from euthanasia to organ donation – that is not possible on television,” she says.
The ability to discuss such pressing social and medical topics allows the show to resonate deeply with its audience. It adds to the realism and emotional depth, something that TV, with its commercial constraints, couldn’t offer.
Sharad Kelkar and Harleen Sethi: A Star-Studded Ensemble
In addition to Sharad Kelkar and Harleen Sethi, the cast of Doctors includes popular actors like Viraf Patell, Aamir Ali, and Vivaan Shah, who all contribute to the show’s compelling narrative. The show began streaming on JioCinema on December 27, 2024 and promises to bring a fresh, realistic perspective on the lives of doctors and the medical profession.
With its detailed and thought-provoking storyline, Doctors is set to redefine how medical dramas are perceived in India, showing audiences that realism, emotional depth, and sensitive issues can be successfully explored on screen.
