TV's fave bahu to put on a new hat
Abrity Basu
Kolkata, May 15, 2006
The first bahu of Indian television has joined hands with her
creator to bring something different to viewers.
Smriti Irani and Ekta Kapoor are producing a serial together for the
channel Star Plus.
And they have roped in Kamlesh Pandey, who has recently penned
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti, to write the show.
The writer earlier worked on shows such as Karamchand and
Kurukshetra. He had moved to writing for Bollywood since he
considered television to be "like a monster, which controls you".
However, with Ekta and Smriti persuading him, he didn't have a
choice. "They are very persuasive ladies.
At the same time, they are two of the biggest names of the small
screen and I just couldn't refuse them," he says.
"In terms of execution and style, the serial will be very different
from the Balaji soaps," says Pandey about the new show that is
supposed to go on air in June. "We haven't decided on the name yet.
All we know is that it might not be with a 'K'," says Pandey.
"The topic, too, will be more provocative than a family drama," he
adds.
Also, instead of being a daily soap, it will be telecast twice
weekly. The story revolves around a young woman from a humble
background who makes it big in society. Smriti Irani, herself, will
play the protagonist.
"In the K-serials, the women are always concerned about their
family. Here, Smriti's character is very contemporary. People will
see Smriti in a whole new avatar," he elaborates.
She is joined in the cast by Sushant Singh (of Matrubhoomi and
Jungle fame), Harsh Chhaya (Hasratein, Astitva),HITEN TEJWANI(Kyunki
Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) and Kiran Karmakar (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii),
besides other actors from the theatre background.
"It was necessary to take actors from theatre since the roles are
very demanding," says Pandey.
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