Actor-politician Ravi Kishan has voiced strong support for the long-standing demand to introduce National Awards for television, stating that such recognition would significantly improve the quality of content and performances on Indian TV. His remarks come amid growing calls from within the entertainment industry to give television the same level of national recognition as cinema.
The Bhojpuri and Hindi film star recently confirmed that he plans to formally take up the matter with the government, reinforcing the idea that television deserves its own space at the prestigious National Film Awards.
Ravi Kishan to Write to Ministry for National Awards for TV
Speaking to HT City after the trailer launch of his upcoming film Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! Fun On The Run, Ravi Kishan said he would write to the ministry to propose a dedicated category for television shows under the National Film Awards framework.
“I will write to the ministry to create a category for TV shows in the National Film Awards. This will enhance the quality of content and performances on television and create pressure on them to deliver,” Kishan said.
According to him, national-level recognition would act as a catalyst for better storytelling, stronger performances, and greater accountability within the television industry.
Recognition Could Improve Television Content Standards
Ravi Kishan believes that the absence of National Awards for television has limited the incentive for creators to experiment with quality-driven narratives. He feels that introducing awards at a national level would push producers, writers, and actors to raise their standards.
Television continues to reach millions of households daily, yet it often lacks formal recognition compared to cinema and OTT platforms. Kishan argues that National Awards for TV would create healthy competition and encourage creators to move beyond formula-driven content.
“It will create pressure on them to deliver,” he added, highlighting how recognition often drives excellence in creative industries.
Regional Language Content Should Also Be Included
One of the most important aspects of Ravi Kishan’s proposal is inclusivity. He stressed that if National Awards are introduced for television, they should cover different regional languages, just like cinema categories currently do.
India’s television landscape is vast and diverse, with powerful storytelling emerging from regional markets. According to Kishan, recognising regional TV shows at a national level would help preserve cultural diversity and give local creators a platform to shine.
This move could also motivate channels to invest in original stories rooted in Indian history, culture, and social realities, instead of relying solely on repetitive formats.
Separate Ceremony or Integrated with National Film Awards
Ravi Kishan suggested two possible ways the awards could be implemented. The honours could either be introduced as a separate ceremony exclusively for television, or be integrated into the existing National Film Awards.
Both models, he believes, would work as long as television is given the respect and recognition it deserves. Integrating TV categories with the National Film Awards could further elevate the medium’s stature and put it on par with cinema.
Ravi Kishan’s Experience Strengthens His Stand
With over 35 years of experience across entertainment platforms, Ravi Kishan brings considerable credibility to the discussion. His career spans television fiction, reality shows, regional cinema, mainstream Bollywood films, and now OTT platforms.
Having witnessed the evolution of Indian television first-hand, Kishan understands both its strengths and limitations. His advocacy for National Awards is rooted in his belief that television has the potential to deliver impactful, meaningful stories—if creators are encouraged through recognition and accountability.
“I will keep raising issues and do my best,” he said, underlining his commitment to pushing reforms within the industry.
Industry Support for National Awards for Television Grows
Ravi Kishan’s statement follows TV producer Binaifer Kohli’s recent call for introducing National Awards for television. With influential voices from both creative and political spheres backing the idea, momentum appears to be building.
As OTT platforms continue to blur the line between cinema and television, the demand for equal recognition across formats has become stronger than ever. National Awards for TV could be a significant step toward acknowledging the medium’s contribution to Indian entertainment.
Conclusion
Ravi Kishan’s support for National Awards for television reflects a broader industry desire for change. By proposing formal recognition at the national level, he hopes to elevate content quality, celebrate regional diversity, and push creators to deliver meaningful storytelling.
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