ITV

Tag: Balika Vadhu

  • Remembering Sidharth Shukla: Perception and reality

    Remembering Sidharth Shukla: Perception and reality

    “Absolutely shocked and stunned on learning about the demise of Sushant Singh Rajput! Unbelievable! Sincere condolences and prayers for his family. Rest in peace..#SushantSinghRajput”

    When TV and film actor Sidharth Shukla posted this tweet on 20 July 2020, little did he know or even guess that the whole of social media would be buzzing, with tweets and messages pouring in by the tens of thousands mourning his own passing away. Most of them expressed utter shock, disbelief, and numbness that the absolutely fighting fit Sidharth had indeed passed onto the other world.

    His early death at just 40 will surely see him attain legendary status, just like Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise did for him. Or even James Dean did in the previous century.

    Sidharth has a following that runs into millions – nay, hundreds of millions. He has a popularity that is akin to many big Bollywood stars.

    We at Indiantelevision.com had signed him to perform at the height of his popularity during “Balika Vadhu” days for the Indian Telly Awards. With tight and long shooting schedules, he still found time to come rehearse for his act late into the night past the midnight hour.

    But apparently, he would have liked more rehearsals. He was a tight bundle of energy waiting to explode, go on stage and complete his performance, on the evening of The Indian Telly Awards gala. One of the backstage crew said he was upset as there was a reshuffling of acts as one of his co-performers was not yet ready. “He’s extremely agitated,” said he. “We will have to calm him down.”

    So we called Indiantelevision.com and the Indian Telly Awards founder Anil Wanvari to speak with him. Wanvari took him aside and asked him what the problem was. Sidharth explained he had had a rough shooting schedule and that he was expected on his sets the next day for an early morning shoot. He kept pacing around saying he wanted to go home. 

    Wanvari, putting his arm around his shoulder, gave him a bottle of water to sip, and spoke to him like he was his son, and explained to him why there was a delay in his multi-star dance act. He also told Sidharth that it is important that he dances as the performance would be incomplete without him, and his partner would not have anyone to dance with her. Wanvari’s soothing voice helped and we saw his sweaty face which had anger written all over it, soften and then break into a smile.

    When his turn came to go on stage to dance, he performed like his life depended on it. The audience broke into applause. Wanvari went up to him and thanked him for his patience and for putting in his best into the performance. Sidharth only smiled shyly, his eyes crinkling and he looked away.

    From thereon, the young man went on to achieve even greater fame and fan-following. Some controversial publications wrote about his occasional outbursts, while others talked about his better side. Initially, he used to react strongly to all the negative reports but recently had learned to laugh at them. Said he in a tweet recently: “Being reading a few newz articles …. Least said they are hilarious….. bhayi eye balls he Chahiyea tho kuch positive likh lo ….itni negativity kaha se latte ho…How do you’ll manage to know more about me better than me… least I can say .. may God bless you all.”

    The educated, well-spoken interior design graduate who became a model and then shot to fame with “Balika Vadhu” and then climbed even higher with “Bigg Boss 13”, appears to have made peace with himself and with industry pressures. His posts clearly showed he had a sharp and intuitive mind. May his soul rest in peace!

  • TV and film actor Sidharth Shukla passes away at 40

    TV and film actor Sidharth Shukla passes away at 40

    Mumbai: Popular TV and film actor Sidharth Shukla has passed away at the age of 40. He was admitted to Cooper Hospital on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. The hospital confirmed his death on arrival and post mortem and police procedures are underway, according to a PTI report.

    Shukla made his TV debut on the Hindi show “Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na” in 2008. He has appeared on shows like “CID” and “Love U Zindagi”. He is best known for his appearance on “Balika Vadhu” where he played the lead.

    Shukla has also made several appearances on reality TV including shows including “Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 6″, “Khatron Ke Khiladi 7″, and “Bigg Boss 13″.

    He made his film debut with Dharma Productions’ “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania” where he played a supporting role.

    The actor was last seen in Ekta Kapoor’s “Broken But Beautiful 3” in which he played the role of Agastya.

    He is survived by his mother and two sisters.

  • COLORS’ Balika Vadhu returns with Season 2

    COLORS’ Balika Vadhu returns with Season 2

    Mumbai: COLORS is all set to bring back one of its longest-running shows Balika Vadhu after a long hiatus of five years. However, the new season will have new cast members who will reignite the conversation around child marriages with a fresh story.

    The show first aired on COLORS TV in July 2008. It’s set in rural Rajasthan and addressed the subject of child marriage through its protagonist, a child bride, Anandi. Balika Vadhu : Season 2 will capture the journey of a ‘nayi Anandi’, played by Shreya Patel as she takes definitive steps to fight and undo the injustice done to her.

    Produced by Sphere Origins, the show will premiere on 9 August and will air Monday to Friday at 8:00 pm only on COLORS.  

    Speaking about the show, Viacom18, head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, said, “In the past few months, we have introduced some of our biggest properties to provide wholesome variety entertainment to our viewers. From launching a brand-new season of Khatron Ke Khiladi set in Cape Town to announcing a visual-based quiz show, The Big Picture with Ranveer Singh as the host. Keeping the momentum high, we are excited to launch the second season of Balika Vadhu, that is synonymous with the ethos of the channel. Armed with a brand-new story and characters, we will showcase one of the most loved shows with a social message that still holds a strong relevance.”  

    Set in the rustic locales of the town of Devgarh, Gujarat, Balika Vadhu season 2 traces the story of two friends, Premji (played by Sunny Pancholi) and Khimji (played by Anshul Trivedi). They share a bond so thick that they always wished to extend their friendship and become one family. As fate would have it, Khimji’s wife gives birth to a girl, Anandi, while a little boy Jigar (Played by Vansh Sayani) is born to Premji. The very day, Premji and Khimji promise each other to get Anandi and Jigar married and soon there comes a day when they are wedded to each other in a ‘Baal Vivah’. 

    According to Viacom18, chief content officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment, Manisha Sharma Balika Vadhu is more than just a show, it is an emotion. She elaborated, “There has been a generation of viewers who have grown up loving and watching the show and still do. The new season of Balika Vadhu will addresses the custom of child marriage albeit from a whole new perspective. It will introduce the audience to a new Anandi and the challenges that she faces as a child bride. Nayi Anandi will fight for her rights and surely turn out to be an inspiration to many girls suffering a similar fate and will touch the hearts and minds of our viewers.”  

    Producer, Sphere Origins, Sunjoy Wadhwa, said that he has always believed in the power of stories and the change that they can bring. “The entire nation is a witness to how Balika Vadhu changed the perception of millions across the country and the face of Indian television. We still believe in the power of its concept as a section of our society affirms the custom of child marriage even today,” he said. 

    According to Comall Wadhwa, the new season of Balika Vadhu will take viewers to the nooks and corners of Gujarat to tell the story of Nayi Anandi. “A lot of girls are still fighting this battle of being in a child marriage every day and our story and characters will be an inspiration to them. We are delighted to join hands with COLORS yet again and look forward to creating the magic,” added Wadhwa. 

    The show will also feature Anshul Trivedi, Riddhi Shukla, Sunny Pancholi, Shiju Kataria and Seema Mishra in prominent roles.   

    The channel has designed a robust marketing plan across print, television, and digital platforms to promote the new show. On television, a ten-day campaign highlighting the nostalgia aspect of the show will be deployed. The show’s music track has been recreated and interwoven with each creative to build recall and drive viewership. The channel will also be targeting print publications across key markets on the launch day showcasing the innocence and feistiness of the nayi Anandi. 

    A digital event (COLORS Golden Petal Club) for the viewers featuring Avika Gor, Anandi from Season One is also planned for the viewers and promises to take them on a trip down memory lane. On the digital front, vignettes will be created featuring the former cast of the show- Avika Gor and Avinash Mukherjee as they talk about their memories of season one. This will also be backed by influencer outreach to create conversations around the show along with some videos which will highlight the life of the children who have lived through this social evil.  

  • The List Of Indian TV Serials That Broke Stereotypes

    The List Of Indian TV Serials That Broke Stereotypes

    Since the dawn of the television industry, you all must have seen hundreds of serial dramas. Over the last three decades, serials have been a major part of our daily life. From ‘Ramayana Epic’ to ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ to ‘Service Wali Bahu’, everyday family members will sit together in the evening at the dinner table and watch these serials and laugh and cry together. These daily soaps influenced, dominated and established a large part of our society. And there is no doubt in saying that they left their essence to the core of our hearts and minds.

    However, the emerging socialization in the past decade has greatly changed the mindsets of the people of our country. For the better, this has also encouraged our serial directors to deviate from the usual saas-bahu dramas to more social stories, which is both hit among masses and useful to educate new-age India and break stereotypes.

    With the introduction of modern technology, smartphones, online casino, and Netflix we are rarely left with dull moment. Meaningful plots of the TV shows have helped in changing the perceptions of the people who still believed in the items of old faiths, stereotypes, and taboos!

    Here’s the list of Indian TV serials that have broken the stereotypes over the past few years:

    GANGAA

    Gangaa was launched on March 2, 2015 and is still an ongoing TV serial that airs on &TV. This TV series took up the serious issue of child widow custom in India. The plot revolves around Gangaa (played by Ruhana Khanna), a child widow. She has an indomitable will to survive and live her life to the fullest, against all old-age beliefs and norms that society is trying to impose on her. This shows the main aim is to abolish the child widow culture that is still rampant in many parts of the country.

    UTTARAN

    Uttaran debut in December 2008 and we all saw the finale episode of this amazing Indian soap opera in January 2015. This show is about two childhood friends, Ichcha and Tapasya that come from the different strata of society. This TV series showcases how despite the vast difference in their status, these two little girls become the best of friends. However, cut to 10 years we see some jealousy creeping into their relationship due to the entry of some negative characters. However, the initial theme of the show seems to break all the stereotypes regarding friendship and teach us how friendship is about connection and not about social status.

    BALIKA VADHU

    With 2,245 episodes in a span of approximately 8 years, Balika Vadhu swayed the nation from its very beginning. This show's main premise revolves around the still ongoing child marriage in our country. The child groom and bride were played by Avinash Mukherjee and Avika Gor respectively. The story revolves around the two getting married as children, growing up together, and facing difficulties related to child marriage because of their family’s involvement in the process. Through their strong storyline, this shows keeps on throwing across some critical social messages to the audiences. In 2008, the series won the ‘Best Programme With A Social Message’ award at the 8th Indian Telly Awards.

    Service Wali Bahu

    This Indian soap opera was launched in February 2015. The story of this women-centric show revolves around Payal (played by Kratika Sengar), who is a civil engineer, a homemaker and a sole bread-earner of her family. In order to support her in-laws and unemployed husband, she goes out to work. Not only the protagonist is earning bread but is taking care of household and homemaking tasks. This serial shows full support to feminism which also talks about other Indian customs such as the dowry system. Payal’s life has inspired many women in our country and it won’t be wrong to say that it has broken many stereotypes and old norms regarding women.
    These TV serials have changed the way people think and have shattered many stereotypes. And the new open way of thinking will take our country forward.

  • Indian Screenwriters’ Conference: Star Plus to stop 7-days-a-week soaps, says Gaurav Banerjee

    Indian Screenwriters’ Conference: Star Plus to stop 7-days-a-week soaps, says Gaurav Banerjee

    MUMBAI: What kind of content works on Hindi general entertainment channels? Content that reflects our society or the content that is simply driven by the ratings? Are TV producers making content for dumb audiences or content is making audiences dumb? Why we don’t talk about the economy or politics on TV shows? Why are we so much focused on saas-bahu sagas? And most importantly in today’s TV who is telling the story, a producer, writer, broadcaster or a programming team or a research team?

    The Film Writers’ Association had a session entitled Serial Killer during the ongoing fourth edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference 2016 in Mumbai in a bid to get some answers.

    And to answer all these questions, you could not have had a better set of panelists than Star India deputy chief creative officer Gaurav Banerjee, Epic TV head of content Ravina Kohli, Balika Vadhu writer Purnendu Shekhar, Sasural Simar Ka and Saathiya writer Ved Raj and Sasural Genda Phool’s writer Zama Habib to get some answers.

    The session was moderated by Saurabh Tewari who runs a production house named after himself, but in earlier avatars had donned the hat of a fiction programmer when he worked at Colors and the now defunct Imagine TV.

    The highlight of the session was the admission on a public forum by by Gaurav on a public forum that Star Plus may have erred by starting the mad race of pursuing seven days of soap and drama every week from the five day formula earlier.

    He admitted: “I confess that it was a mistake because we reduced the ideation time of writers and of actors as well. We thought that we could manage the workload and it won’t affect the product that we deliver but unfortunately we were thinking of the TV industry as a pizza delivery service which was a big mistake.”

    He also that announced that from next month Star Plus would stop airing seven days a week programming.

    Tewari set the ball rolling for the session by appreciating the kind of work and content that both Star Plus and Epic were churning out. He spoke especially in reference to Epic TV as it had carved out its own identity. “TV ratings should not always be the only way to measure the content and the feel of channel,” he opined.

    “Epic, since its beginning had a particular DNA which was supposed to be followed and we tried to stick to that goal and it’s been a struggle,” expressed a hapless Kohli. “We have received great feedback, people appreciated our work but what we don’t have, are ratings.”

    Often it so happens that the content is strong and good but it fails to garner the desired ratings, hence the broadcaster has to yank it off.

    “We have a very fragmented audience, may be the data that we are getting is not addressing to that group. In Epic TV, I have not made anything that has been driven by TRPs,” explained Kohli.

    There are some channels that have a very niche audience, and they end up doing very well in that specific demographic. We also have shows on Doordarshan, which are doing well as they have a different set of audience, expressed Tewari.

    Getting to the crux of the matter, was Purnendu whose show Balika Vadhu was not only critically-acclaimed but has also done fabulously well commercially for Colors. “When I wrote Balika Vadhu, many said that it’s D Dish content and, on a satellite channel, rural backdrops will not work. But thanks to Ashwini (Yardi, the Colors programming head then) who had the courage to select the show,” shared Shekhar.

    Purnendu thanked Tewari (Tewari was at Colors for a period when Balika Vadhu was on air) and the entire channel team for giving him the freedom to work on the story as in most of the cases, the conflict between the writer and the broadcaster arises because both have different visions.

    Shekhar also expressed his agony that there were only two broadcasters present on the panel. “Only Gaurav and Ravina are representing the broadcaster side and both of them are doing good things with a vision. And the channels on which we see dumb content have no representation today,” he cried out.

    It’s really important to remember that when we talk about the TV content we shouldn’t forget that saas bahu dramas are the most important part of TV today, opined Raj as they are consumed by the masses. There has been a never ending debate on these shows but the truth is because of this, these are in demand.

    Contradicting Purnendu, Raj said: “We have all reached a conclusion that everything that has been happening on primetime is wrong. There is something good in this dumb content. TV is a mass medium and my first responsibility will be for them. I am not a police, teacher or judge and I am not even at that level from where my audiences look dumb to me.”

    Tewari then raised the question that quantity has subsumed quality over the past 10 years. From once a week, the channels have taken soaps and dramas to seven days a week. While this has meant money for all concerned, it is a dangerous trend. Though business is important and producers and broadcasters are in the business of creating content and if the content is suffering due to business pressures then how long will the business itself last? asked Tewari.

    Talking about the TV ratings, Gaurav elaborated: “Our measurement system is not that sophisticated. We have seen major changes in the TV industry when BARC came in and now we have to wait for next level of innovation in TV ratings. If every story is unique then the tool to measure that story should be different. You can’t compare Star Plus with Epic as both the channels serve a different kind of audience.”

    A lot has been said about the low quality of TV content but who is responsible for that, broadcaster, writer, producer or the audience, expressed Gaurav.

    “Saathiya is a very well-written show. There are two types of writing scientific and artificial. But I am totally against what Ved said that you give what audience demands. The producer and writer should create the market why do we follow the market. If you will give something new and different to them that has always worked and will work. Most producers don’t care about the story, all they want channel to approve to the show,” he added.

    Several varying perspectives ruled the well-moderated session. TV is essentially a two-way communication medium. However, innovation in TV content is essential was the conclusion as one needs to inject some amount of reality in the content that is churned out for the masses.

  • Indian Screenwriters’ Conference: Star Plus to stop 7-days-a-week soaps, says Gaurav Banerjee

    Indian Screenwriters’ Conference: Star Plus to stop 7-days-a-week soaps, says Gaurav Banerjee

    MUMBAI: What kind of content works on Hindi general entertainment channels? Content that reflects our society or the content that is simply driven by the ratings? Are TV producers making content for dumb audiences or content is making audiences dumb? Why we don’t talk about the economy or politics on TV shows? Why are we so much focused on saas-bahu sagas? And most importantly in today’s TV who is telling the story, a producer, writer, broadcaster or a programming team or a research team?

    The Film Writers’ Association had a session entitled Serial Killer during the ongoing fourth edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference 2016 in Mumbai in a bid to get some answers.

    And to answer all these questions, you could not have had a better set of panelists than Star India deputy chief creative officer Gaurav Banerjee, Epic TV head of content Ravina Kohli, Balika Vadhu writer Purnendu Shekhar, Sasural Simar Ka and Saathiya writer Ved Raj and Sasural Genda Phool’s writer Zama Habib to get some answers.

    The session was moderated by Saurabh Tewari who runs a production house named after himself, but in earlier avatars had donned the hat of a fiction programmer when he worked at Colors and the now defunct Imagine TV.

    The highlight of the session was the admission on a public forum by by Gaurav on a public forum that Star Plus may have erred by starting the mad race of pursuing seven days of soap and drama every week from the five day formula earlier.

    He admitted: “I confess that it was a mistake because we reduced the ideation time of writers and of actors as well. We thought that we could manage the workload and it won’t affect the product that we deliver but unfortunately we were thinking of the TV industry as a pizza delivery service which was a big mistake.”

    He also that announced that from next month Star Plus would stop airing seven days a week programming.

    Tewari set the ball rolling for the session by appreciating the kind of work and content that both Star Plus and Epic were churning out. He spoke especially in reference to Epic TV as it had carved out its own identity. “TV ratings should not always be the only way to measure the content and the feel of channel,” he opined.

    “Epic, since its beginning had a particular DNA which was supposed to be followed and we tried to stick to that goal and it’s been a struggle,” expressed a hapless Kohli. “We have received great feedback, people appreciated our work but what we don’t have, are ratings.”

    Often it so happens that the content is strong and good but it fails to garner the desired ratings, hence the broadcaster has to yank it off.

    “We have a very fragmented audience, may be the data that we are getting is not addressing to that group. In Epic TV, I have not made anything that has been driven by TRPs,” explained Kohli.

    There are some channels that have a very niche audience, and they end up doing very well in that specific demographic. We also have shows on Doordarshan, which are doing well as they have a different set of audience, expressed Tewari.

    Getting to the crux of the matter, was Purnendu whose show Balika Vadhu was not only critically-acclaimed but has also done fabulously well commercially for Colors. “When I wrote Balika Vadhu, many said that it’s D Dish content and, on a satellite channel, rural backdrops will not work. But thanks to Ashwini (Yardi, the Colors programming head then) who had the courage to select the show,” shared Shekhar.

    Purnendu thanked Tewari (Tewari was at Colors for a period when Balika Vadhu was on air) and the entire channel team for giving him the freedom to work on the story as in most of the cases, the conflict between the writer and the broadcaster arises because both have different visions.

    Shekhar also expressed his agony that there were only two broadcasters present on the panel. “Only Gaurav and Ravina are representing the broadcaster side and both of them are doing good things with a vision. And the channels on which we see dumb content have no representation today,” he cried out.

    It’s really important to remember that when we talk about the TV content we shouldn’t forget that saas bahu dramas are the most important part of TV today, opined Raj as they are consumed by the masses. There has been a never ending debate on these shows but the truth is because of this, these are in demand.

    Contradicting Purnendu, Raj said: “We have all reached a conclusion that everything that has been happening on primetime is wrong. There is something good in this dumb content. TV is a mass medium and my first responsibility will be for them. I am not a police, teacher or judge and I am not even at that level from where my audiences look dumb to me.”

    Tewari then raised the question that quantity has subsumed quality over the past 10 years. From once a week, the channels have taken soaps and dramas to seven days a week. While this has meant money for all concerned, it is a dangerous trend. Though business is important and producers and broadcasters are in the business of creating content and if the content is suffering due to business pressures then how long will the business itself last? asked Tewari.

    Talking about the TV ratings, Gaurav elaborated: “Our measurement system is not that sophisticated. We have seen major changes in the TV industry when BARC came in and now we have to wait for next level of innovation in TV ratings. If every story is unique then the tool to measure that story should be different. You can’t compare Star Plus with Epic as both the channels serve a different kind of audience.”

    A lot has been said about the low quality of TV content but who is responsible for that, broadcaster, writer, producer or the audience, expressed Gaurav.

    “Saathiya is a very well-written show. There are two types of writing scientific and artificial. But I am totally against what Ved said that you give what audience demands. The producer and writer should create the market why do we follow the market. If you will give something new and different to them that has always worked and will work. Most producers don’t care about the story, all they want channel to approve to the show,” he added.

    Several varying perspectives ruled the well-moderated session. TV is essentially a two-way communication medium. However, innovation in TV content is essential was the conclusion as one needs to inject some amount of reality in the content that is churned out for the masses.

  • Colors to air ‘Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii’ from 30 May

    Colors to air ‘Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii’ from 30 May

    MUMBAI: Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the present and renders the future inaccessible. But, what if a prejudice is so strong that it damages a family beyond repair; so harsh that it makes parents discriminate between its own blood relations; so forbidden that it changes the fate of two young children? Colors brings to viewers a tale of conscious prejudice meted out by a family against its own kin with Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii. Putting blood relations in a quandary, Shakti portrays the strength and power of a family to dictate the destiny of its children – Soumya (Mahira Khurrana) and Surbhi (Tasheen Shah). Produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Ltd, Shakti is set to unravel the truth behind their family’s behaviour towards them, starting 30th May 2016, every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on COLORS.

    The show will air from 30 May every Monday to Friday at 8 pm.

    Commenting on the show, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Prejudice comes in many forms; the differential treatment is based on a variety of factors including race, sex, and age among other reasons. However, the one kind that, though widely prevalent, goes unnoticed is that which a family doles out against its own kin. With Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, we aim to show how conscious prejudice and the pursuit of perfection has the power to decay an entire family. With this show, we are fortifying our relationship with Rashmi Sharma Telefilms; their penchant for gripping narratives and compelling storytelling has made them a favorite among audiences.”

    Talking about the time slot, she further added, “Shakti will launch in the 8:00 PM primetime slot where it takes the baton from our longest running fiction drama Balika Vadhu, giving audiences a new story to support and follow. Balika Vadhu, in turn, will move to the6:30 PM timeslot where Dr. Nandini, Dr. Amit and Krish’s endearing tale will continue to enthral viewers. Ishq Ka Rang Safed will move up to the 6:00 PM slot.”

    Set against the backdrop of culturally rich and vibrant Punjab, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii talks about parents who discriminate between their two daughters. The elder one, Soumya doesn’t understand why her father Maninder (Ayub Khan) and Dadi (Mamta Luthra) treat her differently. On the other hand, the younger one, Surbhi’s struggles to understand her mother Nimmi’s (Reena Kapoor) indifference towards her. Having been deprived of an education, and with no friends, toys or companions, Soumya finds solace in her mother’s arms. But the story is different for Surbhi. Smothered in her father and Dadi’s love, Surbhi goes to school, plays with her friends, and gets everything she wants except for her mother’s affection. The want for a socially ‘perfect’ life sees Maninder and Dadi go to any lengths to maintain a false prestige, even at the cost of alienating their own. But the mystery remains…what truth has the ability to tear apart a family from its very roots?

    Speaking about his character Maninder (Father), actor Ayub Khan said, “I have had the opportunity to play diverse roles on television, but the story of Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii is by far most unique and progressive. Societal discrimination is something we are all acquainted with, but Shakti presents a completely different facet of this word. It talks about the prejudice within a family, a place where you least expect it to occur. I am playing the role of an orthodox man, a father who consciously discriminates between his own bloods in the name of prestige.”

  • Colors to air ‘Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii’ from 30 May

    Colors to air ‘Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii’ from 30 May

    MUMBAI: Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the present and renders the future inaccessible. But, what if a prejudice is so strong that it damages a family beyond repair; so harsh that it makes parents discriminate between its own blood relations; so forbidden that it changes the fate of two young children? Colors brings to viewers a tale of conscious prejudice meted out by a family against its own kin with Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii. Putting blood relations in a quandary, Shakti portrays the strength and power of a family to dictate the destiny of its children – Soumya (Mahira Khurrana) and Surbhi (Tasheen Shah). Produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Ltd, Shakti is set to unravel the truth behind their family’s behaviour towards them, starting 30th May 2016, every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on COLORS.

    The show will air from 30 May every Monday to Friday at 8 pm.

    Commenting on the show, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Prejudice comes in many forms; the differential treatment is based on a variety of factors including race, sex, and age among other reasons. However, the one kind that, though widely prevalent, goes unnoticed is that which a family doles out against its own kin. With Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, we aim to show how conscious prejudice and the pursuit of perfection has the power to decay an entire family. With this show, we are fortifying our relationship with Rashmi Sharma Telefilms; their penchant for gripping narratives and compelling storytelling has made them a favorite among audiences.”

    Talking about the time slot, she further added, “Shakti will launch in the 8:00 PM primetime slot where it takes the baton from our longest running fiction drama Balika Vadhu, giving audiences a new story to support and follow. Balika Vadhu, in turn, will move to the6:30 PM timeslot where Dr. Nandini, Dr. Amit and Krish’s endearing tale will continue to enthral viewers. Ishq Ka Rang Safed will move up to the 6:00 PM slot.”

    Set against the backdrop of culturally rich and vibrant Punjab, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii talks about parents who discriminate between their two daughters. The elder one, Soumya doesn’t understand why her father Maninder (Ayub Khan) and Dadi (Mamta Luthra) treat her differently. On the other hand, the younger one, Surbhi’s struggles to understand her mother Nimmi’s (Reena Kapoor) indifference towards her. Having been deprived of an education, and with no friends, toys or companions, Soumya finds solace in her mother’s arms. But the story is different for Surbhi. Smothered in her father and Dadi’s love, Surbhi goes to school, plays with her friends, and gets everything she wants except for her mother’s affection. The want for a socially ‘perfect’ life sees Maninder and Dadi go to any lengths to maintain a false prestige, even at the cost of alienating their own. But the mystery remains…what truth has the ability to tear apart a family from its very roots?

    Speaking about his character Maninder (Father), actor Ayub Khan said, “I have had the opportunity to play diverse roles on television, but the story of Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii is by far most unique and progressive. Societal discrimination is something we are all acquainted with, but Shakti presents a completely different facet of this word. It talks about the prejudice within a family, a place where you least expect it to occur. I am playing the role of an orthodox man, a father who consciously discriminates between his own bloods in the name of prestige.”

  • Major reshuffle in Colors’ programming; ‘Shakti’ replaces ‘Balika Vadhu’ at 8pm

    Major reshuffle in Colors’ programming; ‘Shakti’ replaces ‘Balika Vadhu’ at 8pm

    MUMBAI: One of the longest running shows on Colors – Balika Vadhu has been shifted to a new slot as the channel is keen to bring its upcoming series by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms’Shakti on to the 8pm time band.

    Rashmi Sharma Telefilms has another show Sasural Simar Ka at the 7.30 pm time slot.Sasural Simar Ka is also among the top five programmes as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

    Produced by Sphere Origins, Balika Vadhu will be aired at the 6.30 pm time band whereasIshq Ka Rang Safed will be aired at 6 pm. According to sources, Balika Vadhu has failed to generate positive ratings for the channel and hence has been shifted to early prime time.

    Balika Vadhu …Lamhe Pyaar Ke took a leap forward on 25 April. Anandi’s last wish gives her daughter, Nandini the wings to achieve her dreams and dictate her own future. Balika Vadhu will narrate a story of love and aspirations as they erase the memories of pain and longing of Nandini’s childhood. As an established doctor, Nandini finds a purpose which helps her to overcome the stigma of her past and chart the way for a journey that promises happiness beyond comprehension.

    Rashmi Sharma’s upcoming show Shakti.. Astitava Ke Eshaas Ki, is a tale of two sisters. The daily show will be aired from 30 May from Monday – Friday at 8pm.  

  • Major reshuffle in Colors’ programming; ‘Shakti’ replaces ‘Balika Vadhu’ at 8pm

    Major reshuffle in Colors’ programming; ‘Shakti’ replaces ‘Balika Vadhu’ at 8pm

    MUMBAI: One of the longest running shows on Colors – Balika Vadhu has been shifted to a new slot as the channel is keen to bring its upcoming series by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms’Shakti on to the 8pm time band.

    Rashmi Sharma Telefilms has another show Sasural Simar Ka at the 7.30 pm time slot.Sasural Simar Ka is also among the top five programmes as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

    Produced by Sphere Origins, Balika Vadhu will be aired at the 6.30 pm time band whereasIshq Ka Rang Safed will be aired at 6 pm. According to sources, Balika Vadhu has failed to generate positive ratings for the channel and hence has been shifted to early prime time.

    Balika Vadhu …Lamhe Pyaar Ke took a leap forward on 25 April. Anandi’s last wish gives her daughter, Nandini the wings to achieve her dreams and dictate her own future. Balika Vadhu will narrate a story of love and aspirations as they erase the memories of pain and longing of Nandini’s childhood. As an established doctor, Nandini finds a purpose which helps her to overcome the stigma of her past and chart the way for a journey that promises happiness beyond comprehension.

    Rashmi Sharma’s upcoming show Shakti.. Astitava Ke Eshaas Ki, is a tale of two sisters. The daily show will be aired from 30 May from Monday – Friday at 8pm.