150 DRASHTI DEEWANI's..check out pg 66 &67 ;) - Page 4

STAR One will soon go six days a week, from the existing 5 days (Monday-Friday) format. All the production houses have been sounded out and they are making the required changes in terms of story lines, new multi tracks and new characters etc.

Swapna Waghmare Joshi who is the Co-Producer of Rang Badalti Odhani refused to comment saying "We have not yet received any official communication from the channel about the same".

We tried calling Producer Sudhir Sharma ofMiley Jab Hum Tum but he too denied to have got such an information.

However, a source who did not want to be named said going 6 days a week will be quite tough for all concerned i.e. Actors and unit members etc; and that they are already working the full 12 hours shift so there is no time to make this shift.

Our Khabru also was not very confident about adding new characters as according to him audiences have more loyalty towards existing characters. The grapevine is also abuzz with the news that Ekta Kapoor whose new show Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani has just started on the channel has apparently refused to extend her show from the standard Monday to Friday. Panglosean Entertainment 's Yeh Ishq Haaye which has replaced Dill Mill Gayye will began with five day a week and later shift to the new six day format.

In a bid to get clarity on all the above points Tellybuzz decided to directly speak to the channel.

STAR One, General Manager, Nikhil Mirchandani confirmed that all prime time shows will indeed go Mon-Saturday from sometime in November. Justifying the decision to extend the airing days, he said "It makes logical sense to add a day as it increases appointment viewing. Plus we have seen the audience profile on the weekend is no different from week days". He further pointed out that there are examples of six days shows on regional channels with some even going seven day a week?.

On the logistical challenges, he admitted that "We would have some difficulty but they are all solvable. Having dedicated multiple units is one way forward!", he offers. Nikhil also dismissed the fear that audience will not warm up to new characters. "We just need compelling stories period." When pointedly asked about Balaji's apparent refusal to accept the new schedule, Nikhil fired back by saying "They have not told us anything of that sort."

A producer who did not want to be named said we are not happy with the developments but have to go by the channel dictate.

Reporter and Author: Anil Merani