Gurinder Chadha would be "devastated" if people stop watching British TV because of streaming services.
The ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ director believes it is vital for "culturally-specific" shows to air on the small screen, but hopes people don’t start switching off the box in favour of the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz and other media, she said: "It’s very important that we make culturally-specific shows.
"British TV is a home for that, and I will be devastated if people don’t watch our dramas on TV and all flock to the platforms.
"It’s great if the rest of the world enjoys it, but you have to be culturally-specific to be universal."
Gurinder – whose upcoming period drama ‘Beecham House’, which has been dubbed the ‘Delhi Downton’, will air this summer – believes there is something "sacrosanct" about sitting down in front of the TV on a Sunday night, because it is "part of our tradition".
She added: "Different shows work on different platforms in my opinion. There is still something very sacrosanct about Sunday night telly.
"I will always watch whatever is on on Sunday night because it’s part of our tradition.
"I think what Sunday night for me means is being transported into a different time, a different place, and getting a bit of history, getting a bit of entertainment, using your brain a little bit.
"But, ultimately, getting involved in the lives of people, so you can also make moral judgements on their behalf."
Gurinder Chadha ‘devastated’ if streaming services effect British TV
