Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur reminisced about the significant influence of the beloved TV show “Udaan,” emphasizing the need for similar value-based content in today’s entertainment landscape. Sharing a throwback image from the series on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kapur highlighted how “Udaan” captured the nation’s attention during an era when television was limited to a single channel. The show’s popularity was so immense that Kapur, known for his role as ‘Collector Sahib,’ experienced widespread recognition and admiration, especially in rural areas.
The acclaimed director noted that “Udaan” left a lasting social impact, particularly inspiring women to pursue careers in civil services. He expressed astonishment at the number of women he has encountered in prominent roles within the IAS, Foreign Service, and IPS, attributing their aspirations to the influence of the series. Advocating for a resurgence of meaningful storytelling, Kapur emphasized the importance of television programming that upholds traditional values, underscoring the necessity for such content in the present-day Indian entertainment industry.
“Udaan,” a creation of Kavita Chowdhry, was a narrative inspired by the real-life journey of Kanchan Choudhary Bhattacharya, who later became India’s first female Director General of Police. The series revolved around the protagonist Kalyani Singh’s pursuit of societal respectability amidst gender bias and adversities, culminating in her transformation into a police officer. Kapur also recounted an incident from his time filming “Bandit Queen” in a Uttar Pradesh village, where he was overwhelmed by the overwhelming reception from fans who affectionately referred to him as ‘Collector Sahib,’ a testament to the enduring popularity of “Udaan.”
