Saurabh Shukla on the Evolving Importance of Writers in the Entertainment Industry

In the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, the role of writers has often been debated. Are they the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes, or do they receive the recognition they deserve? Saurabh Shukla, a celebrated actor and writer, offers a refreshing perspective on this topic.

"We writers are not unsung heroes. The media is there to celebrate our work. Right now, there are many great and emerging writers. Writers have always been doing exceptional work, and there has never been a time when they haven’t," Shukla asserts while interacting with media on sidelines of Screenwriters Association Awards 2024 held in Mumbai.

Indeed, Shukla’s insight highlights a crucial aspect of the creative process: while the visibility of writers may ebb and flow with industry trends, their contribution remains vital. The nature of film and television is inherently collaborative. "A writer alone cannot make a film; it’s a large, collaborative effort," Shukla notes, emphasizing that the creation of compelling media content involves a multitude of talents working together.

The current era, marked by the rise of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, represents a significant shift in how stories are told and consumed. Shukla sees this development as a boon for writers: "With the advent of OTT platforms, the importance of writers has increased significantly. They now have the chance to explore and present new stories. It’s a very positive development." The proliferation of streaming services has indeed opened new doors for creative storytelling, allowing writers to experiment with diverse narratives and formats that might not have found a place in traditional media channels.