Television actor Arjun Bijlani has strongly defended his popular show Naagin, addressing criticisms that it was “regressive.” During an interview, the actor highlighted the massive popularity and record-breaking TRPs of the series. He clarified that Naagin was marketed as fantasy fiction and should not be compared to realistic dramas.
Arjun Bijlani on Naagin’s Popularity
Arjun Bijlani, who played a lead role in Naagin 1, recalled how the show became a cultural phenomenon. He stated that it wasn’t just popular in smaller towns but was equally celebrated in metropolitan cities like Mumbai.
According to him, when most shows struggled with a TRP rating of 2, Naagin scored 6, which was remarkable for Indian television. The first season ended with a strong TRP of 5, proving its enduring success. He proudly admitted that Naagin 1 was bigger than his earlier hit Miley Jab Hum Tum.
Arjun stressed that for him, Naagin 1 remains the best season of the franchise, as it combined drama, fantasy, and high entertainment value that appealed to audiences across the country.
Responding to Criticism About Naagin Being “Regressive”
Arjun dismissed the claims that Naagin was a backward or regressive show. He argued that the series never intended to present its supernatural elements as reality. Instead, it was marketed as fantasy fiction, much like Hollywood superhero films.
He drew comparisons with Spiderman, asking if audiences questioned whether Spiderman was real. Similarly, he explained that Naagin was never meant to be taken literally. It was created to entertain, and its high TRP ratings validated its success.
Arjun also emphasized that criticism often comes from people with little to contribute. He pointed out that even global icons like Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan face criticism, but they continue their work regardless. According to him, the key is to focus on one’s craft and keep moving forward.
Naagin as a Fantasy Fiction Phenomenon
The actor explained that Naagin’s strength lay in its unique storytelling approach. By mixing traditional Indian folklore with modern television drama, the show captured audiences’ imaginations. Its marketing as fantasy fiction allowed it to stand alongside global franchises that thrive on myth and fantasy.
He credited the creators for shaping Naagin into more than just a daily soap. For many fans, it became a guilty pleasure and a prime-time staple, establishing Colors TV as a leading entertainment channel during its run.
TRPs and Viewership Records
Highlighting the show’s achievements, Arjun Bijlani reminded critics that numbers speak louder than opinions. With TRPs peaking at 6, Naagin far outperformed contemporary shows. Even as it concluded, it retained high ratings of 5, which was a rare feat in Indian television.
For Arjun, this success validated the efforts of the cast and crew. He believes the show’s ability to attract audiences from both rural and urban India made it special. Its universal appeal proved that viewers were ready to embrace fantasy-based storytelling on mainstream television.
Naagin 1: The Best Season According to Arjun Bijlani
Arjun firmly believes that the first season of Naagin remains the franchise’s best. He credited the unique storyline, stellar performances, and suspense-driven plot for its unprecedented success.
While subsequent seasons expanded the Naagin universe, Arjun feels that season one set the benchmark for fantasy fiction on Indian television. Its combination of folklore, romance, and supernatural elements gave it an edge over conventional TV dramas.
Criticism and Arjun’s Perspective on Growth
Addressing the constant criticism, Arjun advised actors and creators to ignore negativity. He said that every successful person faces opposition, but it should not stop anyone from pursuing their goals.
He explained that those who criticize often do so from a place of inactivity, while performers are out there creating. His philosophy is simple: focus on your craft, ignore unnecessary negativity, and continue progressing.
Arjun Bijlani’s Upcoming Projects
Moving beyond his defense of Naagin, Arjun Bijlani also shared updates on his upcoming projects. He is set to appear in the reality show Ride and Fall. The show will be hosted by Ashneer Grover, and it promises an exciting format blending adventure and celebrity participation.
Alongside Arjun, the show will feature stars like Pawan Singh, Dhanashree Verma, Kiku Sharda, and Kubbra Sait. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are high for the program to become a popular addition to Indian television’s reality segment.
Why Arjun Bijlani’s Views Matter
As a seasoned television actor, Arjun Bijlani’s opinions carry weight in the entertainment industry. His defense of Naagin highlights the larger debate about how Indian television content is perceived. While critics may dismiss fantasy shows as regressive, audiences often embrace them wholeheartedly.
Arjun’s perspective bridges this gap by positioning Naagin not as a regressive soap but as legitimate fantasy fiction that provided millions of viewers with entertainment. His analogy with Spiderman underscores the universal appeal of fantasy storytelling across cultures.
Arjun Bijlani’s passionate defense of Naagin reaffirms its place as one of Indian television’s most successful fantasy series. By addressing criticism directly, he highlighted the importance of understanding the intent behind a show.
Naagin was never meant to mirror reality; it was designed as fantasy fiction, much like global superhero franchises. With record-breaking TRPs and immense popularity across small towns and big cities alike, the show’s success speaks for itself.
As Arjun prepares for his next project Ride and Fall, his comments remind us that Indian television can succeed in diverse genres, from supernatural fiction to adventure-based reality shows. For him, the legacy of Naagin 1 remains unmatched, proving that fantasy storytelling has a powerful place in modern entertainment.
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