'Durgesh Nandini' to replace 'Bigg Boss'
After the adaptation of Bengali classics like Sarat Chandra Chatterjee's Charitrahin and Bimal Mitra's Sahib Biwi aur Gulam for the small screen, now Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Durgesh Nandini is all set to be the next big show for Sony.
Sony has been toying with the idea of adapting the novel for TV audiences for quite some time, but it's going on the floors from mid-January. Insiders say, it's going to replace Bigg Boss in the prime time slot.
Sandiip Sikcand, chief creative director of Sony, said, "After Salil Ankola's ouster from Bigg Boss, our schedule has become topsy-turvy. Viruddh and Durgesh Nandini are going to be in the prime time slot, but we are yet to decide the timeframe." Insiders say the channel is going to promote the show, the way they did with Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. But who's going to play the title role of Durgesh?
"The novel is a period drama, but we are adapting it to more contemporary situations. It has been one of Sony's dream project and we have zeroed on four known faces of TV and one fresh new face to play the lead. Let's wait and watch," he added. Sources say the lead will be played by Rinku Ghosh, a relatively unknown actress of B-grade cinemas like Bharat Bhagya Bidhata or Wrong Number.
An actor, on the condition of anonymity, said, "I was considered for the pilot episodes and I came across Rinku who was playing the lead. I have got to know from the producers that she has been finalised for the title role." Anupam Bhattacharya is playing a pivotal role in the serial. "I am yet to get the sketch of my character, Naren. The channel is experimenting with the couples and it will go on the floor very soon," he said.
Actors like Anupam Bhattacharya, Mihir Mishra, Manini De, Rajesh Kumar, Amit Sadh, Tassnim Sheikh and others have been featured in the pilot episodes. But, except Anupam, most have backed out due to date problems and the time it is taking to start.
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