Love story with a difference-- DC

Like most shows which open with low ratings, Bade Achhe didn't have a flying start. But within five weeks, it has managed to hook a sizeable audience. One of the reasons for its growing popularity is its un-cliched content.

Bade was Sakshi's perfect comeback

At the time of the 20-year leap in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Ekta had told Sakshi that she had planned something exciting for her. That was five years ago and the show was Bade Achhe Lagte Hain.
Kahani ended in October 2008 and four months later, Ekta offered her the show. "But I wasn't ready for another daily so soon. I wanted to do other things like spending time with my family and friends, holidaying, travelling and photography. Ekta said she would wait for me," recalls Sakshi.

A year later, Ekta came with the same offer and Sakshi kept her on hold, though she was back on television in a cameo in Balika Vadhu and as host for Crime Patrol. Six months ago, Ekta again called up Sakshi to find out whether she was ready for the show. "I knew the concept and I could relate to it completely. The timing was just right for me to return to a daily soap," she adds.

Sakshi says love stories are always beautiful but a mature love story is even more exciting. "And when it deals with a couple which is not in love and where the man doesn't believe in love at all and marriage is the least priority for the woman, you have a beautiful story in hand." Like Ram, she is also committed to Bade Achhe Lagte Hain for 15 days in a month. "Acting is just one part of me. I am the creative director for a show called Samaan Ek Adhikar. Endorsements, ads, films and developing concepts for TV are the other things that keep me busy on other days," she smiles.

Motu Ram makes for an unconventional hero

After Kasamh Se, Ram wasn't seen much on TV… till now. He explains, "In the last two years I have been quite busy with films. A lot of serials were offered to me but I said no because daily soaps are long commitments and I couldn't have given 25 days for one show. But when Bade Achhe came along I had to give it a thought. Ekta has done a lot for me and I can never say no to her. When I heard the story it sounded amazing. Besides, I was also getting an opportunity to work with Sakshi. I have a lot of respect for her but had never worked with her before."

Even the "dates" issues smoothly fell into place.
"I have decided to give 15 days in a month to TV and the rest for films."

But would he have said "yes" to Ekta had it been some other show?
"I would have made her understand and requested her to reconsider the offer. I have known Ekta for over 12 years and she will never force you to do something you are not keen on doing."

What does he like about the show?
"Everything. It's a real story which a lot of middle-aged people can identify with. The show's USP is the protagonists' age. Where do you get to see a 40-plus paunchy man as hero? Given my weight do you think I am suited for a hero's role when today 18 and 20-year-old boys are considered for lead roles?"

Was the self-deprecating humour in the dialogue deliberate?
"Oh absolutely. I am quite comfortable being called a motu. Ram and Priya are poles apart in terms of their personality, thinking, background and class. But then opposites do attract. In real life too, I am quite different from my wife."

When will the couple get married?
"Actually when the latest ratings came in we were all surprised. But Ekta said she wants marriage to happen fast. We will get married in another two weeks."

What's in store for viewers post-marriage?
"The main crux of the story is discovering each other after marriage. That's the Indian reality, where 90 per cent of marriages are arranged marriages."

The question is, will it remain a crisp and finite story?
Ram says decisively, "It will. We have planned it for a year."