On July 18, 2000, Anu Ranjan launched what would go on to become the most prestigious celebration of Indian television — The Indian Television Academy (ITA). As it completes 25 glorious years this month, Anu reflects on its origins, the skepticism it faced, and the resilience it took to make the vision a reality.
“It’s hard to believe 25 years have flown by,” says Anu Ranjan, Founder and President of ITA. “For us, it’s been the collective growth of a family , a group of close friends, collaborators, and well-wishers who have been with us from the very beginning.”
Back in 2000, Indian television was at a turning point. Shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Kaun Banega Crorepati were just launching , now iconic, they too are marking their 25-year anniversaries. ITA, says Anu, started alongside them “we all began this journey together.”
Recounting the idea’s origin, Anu shares a deeply personal anecdote:“I was walking on the beach with my friends Soni and Neena, when one of them casually said, ‘Why don’t you start a television award show?’ It was just a passing suggestion… but I took it seriously.”
Anu had lived abroad for many years and had closely followed prestigious global award platforms like the Emmys. The lack of a similar, credible recognition for Indian television stayed with her.“I worked on the idea for 18 months. It wasn’t just a casual plan, I was determined. On 18th July, we officially announced ITA. From that moment, there was no turning back.”
"It Was Never a Time Pass"
What makes ITA stand out, says Anu, is the seriousness with which it was founded. “This was never a hobby or a side project for me. It was a serious commitment. I wasn’t going to stop until we made it happen and we did.” Despite initial skepticism from some quarters about whether such an award show for television could work, Anu stayed focused. “People weren’t sure what would happen. But God has been kind,here we are, 25 years later.”
Anu also reflects on how the perception of television has changed over the years. “There used to be a huge gap between cinema and television. People thought only cinema mattered. But television entered people’s homes. It entertained them, kept them company, made them feel seen. You didn’t need a plan, a family outing ,it was joy right in your living room.” She points out a striking reality: “Today, you might have 300 films releasing, and maybe only five or ten do well. But television? It is consumed by every human being in this country.”
Anu acknowledges the rise of OTT platforms and how they’re continuing the same legacy television began. “OTT has now reached the level where television once stood. The line between the two is blurred -both are essential, powerful mediums.” As for the future? “Who knows what comes next. But I’m proud of the past 25 years. ITA has stood for belief, consistency, and recognition and that’s something we’ll always hold on to.”
Check out the video here :