Acclaimed actor Manoj Pahwa, known for his memorable roles in television shows such as “Office Office,” “Bol Baby Bol,” and “Just Mohabbat,” has reflected on the lasting impact of 1990s television, attributing its success to the careful crafting of content at that time.
Changing Landscape of Television
When asked why contemporary shows struggle to leave a similar mark, Manoj pointed out the drastic shift in the working culture of television, which has transformed into a “factory” model.
“In today’s shows, everything has become like factories. During our time, it was a golden period. We had to deliver only four episodes a month and the format was weekly. Each episode took about two to two and a half days to complete.”
He elaborated on the production process, noting, “Your producer-director used to allocate 10 days for a block. For ‘Just Mohabbat,’ we needed to produce four episodes.”
Benefits of a Slower Pace
Manoj emphasized that this slower pace was beneficial for everyone involved in the production.
“Writers had around 20 days to work on the next scripts. As actors, we too had time to prepare, and the subjects were evolving. That kind of thoughtful creation isn’t prevalent anymore,” he said, mentioning his upcoming role in Netflix’s “Single Papa.”
Literary Depth in Writing
Reflecting on the writing quality of that era, he highlighted the literary depth and the impressive writing teams. “We don’t do those kinds of stories anymore—adaptations of Munshi Premchand’s works or Ghalib’s poetry. ‘Just Mohabbat’ was deeply rooted in child-parent psychology. The creative minds like Kamanshu, Victor, Saurabh, and later Anmol contributed significantly to the narratives. Even ‘Office Office’ had that uniqueness, but then it shifted into a factory-model approach.”
Upcoming Series: Single Papa
“Single Papa” features an ensemble cast including Manoj Pahwa, Kunal Kemmu, Prajakta Koli, Neha Dhupia, and Ayesha Raza Mishra. The series revolves around Gaurav Gehlot, a lovable man-child whose emotional maturity is still “a work in progress.”
His impulsive decision to adopt a baby right after his divorce shocks his family, leading them to briefly consider ways to “reboot” him. The ensuing chaos has the Gehlots grappling with the challenge of how a man who frequently misplaces his socks plans to raise a child.
“Single Papa” is set to premiere on December 12 on Netflix.