Trend setter TMKOC

Revisiting literary works and adapting them to serials seems to be catching up
We have seen Kathasagar, Bharat Ek Khoj, Mahabharat, Vikram Aur Betaal, which have all been adapted into television serials from literary works. Now with Zee launching Keshav Pandit, a show on the life of the famous character conceptualised by Ved Prakash, it seems like the trend is back. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah on SAB TV was the first comedy show of its kind to have clicked with the audience. Based on the famous weekly Gujarati series Duniya Ne Undha Chasma written by eminent writer Tarak Mehta, it not only shows the lighter side but also addresses socially-relevant issues. Their second offering, Lapataganj, revolves around the writings of Sharad Joshi, an eminent Hindi satirist. Tracking the success of the show, Channel head Anooj Kapoor says, "In an era where the only theme that seems to be working is women being persecuted we decided that we didn't want to be a part of this. Adapting literary works into television shows was the most obvious and logical thing to do."

The channel is also coming up with another show tentatively titled Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya which is based on stories by a Gujarat-based writer Shahbuddin Rathod.
Ekta Kapoor, who is also known for her women centric and family dramas is attempting something completely different with her new thriller show on Zee, Keshav Pandit. "I had created this character in 1981 and when Ekta approached me I was more than happy to oblige. I don't know if this is a trend but people always want to watch something meaningful," says Ved Prakash. Ekta Kapoor, who is the producer of the show, also thinks that this is a good move on their part. "When I read up on Keshav Pandit I was appalled and humbled that most people in Mumbai were unaware of the character." Sarvar Ahuja, who plays the lead in the show, is thrilled to be able to play the iconic character. "It is a privilege to be playing Keshav Pandit and through this character I hope to teach people a thing or two about Indian judiciary."

Cinevistaas, which started with Kathasagar and are the pioneers in adapting literary works to television shows are starting a new show on Udaya TV. Titled Site, the show will be based on the mythological epic Ramayan. Prem Krishen, Chairman, Cinevistaas is more than happy with the trend. "I definitely see the trend returning because entertainment and education is a lethal combination."

Though the trend may have kickstarted it is yet to catch up in a big way. Nikhil Madhok, Marketing Head, Imagine TV, says, "A lot of shows borrow a small part of their plots from the classics but it's interesting to see these classics being adapted into shows. As long as the people involved with the originals are acknowledged I think it is great."

http://www.screenindia.com/news/back-to-basics/620485/