Star Utsav and Star Plus lead U+R viewership in Week 15: BARC data

Despite their popularity, 2021 was also a year where "Desi Telly" faced criticism for "glorifying toxic behavior" and maintaining regressive stereotypes (e.g., the "evil" mother-in-law trope).

Conclusion Desi television in 2021 balanced continuity with cautious change. Anchored by familiar narratives and star power, the medium adapted to pandemic-era constraints and rising OTT competition through incremental innovation. The outcome was a television landscape that continued to command mass attention while slowly opening space for new voices, formats, and subjects—setting the stage for a more pluralistic and competitive entertainment ecosystem.

By the end of 2021, Desi Telly TV Star Plus and the larger Hindi television ecosystem had demonstrated resilience. The industry’s strengths—emotional storytelling, star-driven loyalty, and unmatched household reach—remained intact. Yet future success would hinge on adaptability: embracing tighter storytelling, investing in varied genres, leveraging digital platforms for cross-audience reach, and maintaining production sustainability. Shows that blended traditional emotional cores with fresher formats and socially relevant themes were best positioned to thrive.

A breakout year for the young actress in Imlie .