Mangal Laxmi actor Kapil Nirmal: Fiction will always remain the first choice of audiences

The debate between fiction and reality shows has been a part of television for years. While reality formats have gained popularity in recent times, Mangal Laxmi actor Kapil Nirmal believes that fiction continues to enjoy an upper hand with viewers.“I don’t agree that reality shows have dominance over fiction. Firstly, fiction has numbers on its side. TRPs also tell you the same story that fiction is still the first choice. So, I guess in no way do reality shows have dominance in any sense,” Kapil shares.The actor highlights that daily soaps and long-running fiction dramas have always been the backbone of Indian television. Their ability to create emotional connections and loyal fan bases keeps them relevant over the years.

He explains, “Indian viewers have grown up on stories, and that connect is very strong. Fiction shows give audiences characters they live with every day, which is why they continue to perform well.

”At the same time, Kapil acknowledges the role of reality shows in today’s television landscape. “They definitely add spiciness to the programming of a particular network and are also an opportunity for actors to earn more in less time,” he says.

According to him, while reality formats bring freshness and variety to screens, they cannot overshadow the consistency and depth that fiction provides.Talking about his all-time favorite show, Kapil fondly recalls how B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata left a lasting impression on him. “That show still remains my favourite, and it is relevant even in today’s time. I surely liked everything about it—be it the cast, writing, dialogues, screenplay, everything.

It was complete in every sense,” he shares.Kapil believes that the timelessness of shows like Mahabharata is proof that strong storytelling never goes out of fashion. He concludes, “Formats will keep evolving, but at the end of the day, audiences connect with emotions and stories. That is why fiction will always remain their first choice.”