The Indian invasion, is Canada ready for it? This may come as surprise to some but from token character to hit shows, South Asian culture has become a hot commodity in Canada. When it comes to the perfect opportunity, timing is everything. And this statement couldn’t be truer with social trends. Just like reality shows, which I hope are on their way out, the time for South Asians is now.
Indian invasion is real and Actors, characters and culture from South Asia have burst into the North American mainstream and onto our TV sets. Once portrayed as the token “ethic characters” – often waiters or convenience store clerks – they are now major players with smart, funny and relatable roles.
I’m sure Canadians, especially those in urban centres, have noticed a growth in the South Asian community in recent years. And their eyes are not playing tricks on them.
Mark Prasuhn, VisionTV’s chief operating officer, says that South Asians and their needs should be taken seriously. “South Asian Canadians are the fastest growing visible minority population in Canada – and it is an influential and affluent one as well, which has a significant impact on certain urban centres.”
Their impact is so important that executives at VisionTV decided to give their Saturday programming a complete overhaul, and the station now caters to South Asian viewers more extensively as of March 1.
For years VisionTV has provided Sikh, Hindu and Muslim programming, but now Saturdays include Desi Vision: a brand encompassing films from Bollywood and the entertainment magazine series Bollywood Gupshup. Existing series Des Pardes and Aikam have moved to prime time.
Tags: Canada, Indian, invasion, ready