TV should take up drug abuse related shows, feels Mandira Bedi

Mumbai: Social issues like child marriage and female foeticide have lately become one of the favourite plots for Indian television and actress Mandira Bedi now wants the small screen to deal with a subject of drug abuse. Mandira, who has been a part of TV industry for over two decades, says it is the duty of television shows to mirror the society. When asked if the small screen should explore the opportunity to come up with shows surrounding drug-related problems, Mandira told PTI, "Television should be a mirror to our society, as it is close to people and has more reach. It is the duty of television to put out content that gives you an indication of 'what is' rather than 'what is not'." The actress was speaking at the 'Say No To Drugs' run organized by Femina in association with Narcotics Control Bureau and Mumbai Police on the occasion of World Drug Day. The 44-year-old "Shanti" star feels proud to have come on board for the initiative and says there is a strong need to educate people regarding drug menace. "The whole drug issue is a menace and is affecting the youth of the country on a very large level. We all as members of the society need to come out and do our bit by educating people and informing about the consequences," she said. "I feel proud to get such an opportunity and do my bit for the society," she said. Abhishek Chaubey's recently released film "Udta Punjab" highlighted drug related issues prevalent in Punjab. Mandira feels any film which can take viewers out of their comfort zone is good. "I saw the film and it was quiet disturbing. It taught me a lot about what I didn't know, and I was ignorant as to how bad the situation is," she said. "Any kind of cinema which takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you think is actually a good piece of cinema," she added.