Renuka Shahane Says Indian Screens Must Move Beyond Outdated Family Stereotypes

Veteran actor Renuka Shahane believes it is time for Indian television and streaming platforms to move beyond long-standing stereotypes surrounding family relationships. Speaking about her latest series, Aga Aai Aaho Aai, Shahane said one of the biggest reasons she accepted the project was its refreshing portrayal of mothers, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

The actor also reflected on motherhood, family values, confidence that comes with age, and why she no longer feels the need to seek validation through social media or professional success.

A Different Take on Family Relationships

According to Shahane, Indian entertainment has often relied on predictable portrayals of family dynamics, especially the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

She said Aga Aai Aaho Aai breaks away from that formula by presenting more balanced and supportive relationships instead of focusing solely on conflict.

Shahane believes that while difficult family relationships certainly exist, positive and understanding households deserve equal representation on screen.

“Things have changed, and the positive aspects of a healthy married life should also be shown somewhere,” she said.

Marriage Has Changed for Today’s Generation

The actor observed that women today enter marriage with established careers, education and independent identities.

She said modern women naturally bring their own perspectives and aspirations into a marriage, making it unrealistic to expect them to simply abandon their individuality after joining a new family.

According to Shahane, successful family relationships now depend more on mutual respect, communication and acceptance than rigid traditions.

Why Aga Aai Aaho Aai Stood Out

Shahane described the show’s central premise as one of its strongest aspects.

Rather than presenting a stereotypical family setup, the series features:

• A strict and protective mother
• An understanding and supportive mother-in-law
• Healthier family interactions
• Positive male characters who value harmony at home

She said the progressive writing and realistic characterisation made the project particularly appealing.

Family Equations Are Evolving

Drawing from her own extended family, Shahane said she has witnessed a noticeable shift in how daughters-in-law are welcomed into households.

She believes today’s families have an opportunity to break away from practices that once treated new members as outsiders.

Instead, she encouraged greater openness, empathy and willingness to adapt to changing times.

According to the actor, every generation has the chance to redefine family traditions rather than simply repeating them.

Lessons From Her Mother

Shahane credited her mother for teaching her the importance of self-respect while also emphasizing grace in communication.

She said standing up for oneself does not require aggression or disrespect.

According to her, the tone in which opinions are expressed often determines whether they are heard and understood.

She added that this lesson remains just as relevant today, particularly for younger generations navigating conversations shaped by social media and instant access to information.

Motherhood Changed Her Perspective

Reflecting on becoming a parent, Shahane admitted she only truly understood her mother’s constant concern after having children herself.

She explained that parental worry often manifests as discipline because parents want to shield their children from hardship.

The actor said she sometimes recognises that same instinct in herself, especially when trying to prepare her children for life’s challenges.

Remembering Her In-Laws

Shahane shared that she never had the opportunity to meet her mother-in-law, who passed away before her marriage to actor Ashutosh Rana.

However, she spoke warmly about her father-in-law, saying that despite their different outlooks on life, they developed a close relationship built on mutual respect and open conversations.

She believes families grow stronger when members remain willing to understand viewpoints different from their own.

Confidence Comes With Age

Looking back on her career, Shahane admitted she experienced periods of self-doubt during her thirties and forties, particularly after becoming a mother and taking breaks from acting.

Today, however, she says she feels far more confident.

According to Shahane, growing older has freed her from the need to constantly prove herself professionally or personally.

She added that she now focuses on continuous learning and improving her craft rather than seeking external approval.

Why Social Media No Longer Defines Success

Shahane also spoke candidly about her relationship with social media.

She said she does not believe online engagement or follower counts determine an individual’s worth or professional relevance.

Instead of posting regularly to satisfy algorithms, she prefers sharing updates only when something genuinely meaningful happens in her life or career.

Growing up before the age of social media, she explained, has helped her maintain a healthier perspective on digital validation.

About Aga Aai Aaho Aai

Aga Aai Aaho Aai premiered on July 24 and explores evolving family relationships through a contemporary lens.

The series places particular emphasis on the changing roles of mothers, daughters-in-law and extended families, while highlighting understanding, empathy and emotional growth over traditional stereotypes.