Toon characters get a life

Telly land is going places. After an overdose of saas-bahu, comedy and reality shows; channels are now concentrating on shows which are indeed 'different'. After 'Prithviraj Chauhan' — a historical epic drama, 'Hatim' a fantasy show, the Sagars are all set to introduce a new format on television — that of a comic strip.

Producer Shakti Anand reveals, "After 'Prithviraj Chauhan', a costume drama, we decided to dabble in graphics for a science fiction thriller 'Antariksh'. Since I am an avid comic book reader, we decided to go a step further and do a show based on comic books."

The new show 'Lucky' (Star Plus) which will be on air next month is apparently inspired by comic books. "We have tried to create comic book characters in an action and adventure show. The characters are not inspired by one particular comic strip but will be a desi version with several funny characters around it. Apart from the main character Lucky, we have a pilot with a World War II aircraft and a 300-year-old ghost," adds Shakti.

Gautam Rhode who has been roped in to play the lead character says, "It's not a show about a super hero. I am sure the audience will be able to relate to the character because he is a normal guy with a good heart and wants to help people." Incidentally, Gautam has his hands full with 'Baa Baby Aur Bahu' and is also playing the love interest of Krishna in 'Paraya Dhan'. "I am working almost 30 days a month. But it's a lot of fun. Right now I have taken a break from 'Baa…' but might have to start shooting soon."

The actor says that he is enjoying doing both characters as they are quite different. "And I am confident that 'Lucky' will be quite popular despite the recent spate of reality shows and saas-bahu soaps. There is always an audience for fresh ideas," he concludes.

nuzhat@dnaindia.net