The first World Television Forum was held on November 21, 1996, and the United Nations has proclaimed the day as World Television Day. Small screen has been a source of entertainment for years and is still loved by all. The day highlights how TV has changed, its purpose, the kind of content it has been showcasing and the way forward. Director Ismail Umar Khan talks about the medium and more.
“Cheers to the World Celebration of the TV Industry. From black white television to watching Asian games 1982 in Colour TV, then came a time Tv infamously was being called idiot box. If you guys remember the song from the Bachchan Sahab (Amitabh Bachchan) Tv video bahut hua, sabke sar mein dard hua.. But on the contrary Tv is a boon— from news, sports, business, spiritualism to entertainment, it has all in one,” he says.
Tv is Ismail’s bread & butter. “When I am at home I do watch my shows & some good thriller series on OTT, and of course my favourite movies”. Acknowledging the rise of competition from OTT platforms, Ismail adds, “Yes competition is tough but TV is going to stay no matter what competition it faces. If not fiction, non-fiction, standup and reality shows will fill in the gap.”
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Feb 23, 2026About the two things he is proud of being part of The TV industry, he adds, “I have been entertaining audiences since 1995. I am lucky I got to direct all genre fantasy, social drama, suspense thriller, action, regional, children's show, historical & horror.”
While noting that TV is perceived as free from nepotism, Ismail recognizes the influence of references and the existence of favoritism, which can lead to mediocrity.
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