Posted:
2 years ago...
one of the region's biggest superstars is approached by STAR TV CEO with offers to do a TV show. The man refuses outright initially, firmly saying he has no interest in TV or usual game shows or reality shows that stars are asked to anchor.
But later he conceives idea of a show on social issues - a show which would not only highlight stats and facts of an issue, or just stories of victims but also stories of real heroes working on those issues and provide ways to take action plus raise donations for the cause - all with just a TV show!
The man? Aamir Khan! Which other star can think of such stuff? They are too busy in their ''secret charity'' (?!) and lap up ready made versions of usual entertainment fare when asked to do TV. Aamir Khan is told his ideas are rubbish and won't work on TV. But the man persists. Experienced old hand Siddharth Basu declines to produce the show and warns Aamir that his ways won't work at all, or the show would fail the way he wants to handle it. Still, when has Aamir Khan listened to any other voice, except that of his own heart?
The man decides to take plunge in TV production and decides to produce the show himself! All rules are broken - unconventional time slot is chosen, multiple simulcasts, dubbed versions and multiple repeat telecasts are provided so as to make the show available to as many viewers as possible. What's more? Aamir and STAR spend from their OWN pockets to identify remote villages and set up special screens there so that the educative show can reach even those who did not own a TV set - a FIRST in history of Indian television!
Research teams from the most esteemed educators, activists, NGOs, mediapersons, lawyers etc. in the country are commissioned for each episode. Aamir sends his team to shoot documentaries all over India - covering even neglected states of North east. NGOs are identified, FIRST of its kind public-private partnership is done through tie ups with Doordarshan and All India Radio, columns for each issue are scheduled to be syndicated in national dailies. The man - Aamir Khan not only spends time, money on the show but also hosts it, writes columns on every issue and debates the issue whole week via radio, online chats and a FIRST of its kind follow up program called Asar on ABP news every Friday.
The result is a PHENOMENON! Twitter trends, Google trends, Youtube trends all are dominated every single week by Aamir Khan, Satyamev Jayate and its weekly issue, every newspaper worth its salt, both in India and abroad discusses the show, common citizens debate, some spring into action and start their own orgs, administrative staff takes action in various states, crores worth donations are raised in a matter of few weeks through the show, even a pending bill on child sex abuse is passed in Lok Sabha! From drawing rooms at homes to schools/college, online forums - the flavour of the months is Satyamev Jayate!
This show was India's most massive television show ever. And it was first show of Aamir Khan as producer and host, first show for its director Satyajit Bhatkal. The newbies were told they'd fail but they succeeded in what they had set out to do!👏
Yes, some flaws were there, but since it was Aamir and Bhatkal's maiden venture, and the scale of the project was just too massive - they did manage it well. And I am sure if they ever come up with a second season, they would be even better than the first one!
Never before did any Indian TV show have such a massive scale, such 360 degree engagement the way Satyamev Jayate had. All of this - is a result of one man's faith and vision - Aamir Khan! Ram Sampath revealed how Aamir was so involved that he even worked with music directors, lyricists and singers of the show for each song. Of course, his leaving films, ads etc. just to make this show are known to all. Ever heard of any other star leaving movies at PEAK of his career just to make a show on social issues and do his bit to contribute to society? Only Aamir Khan can do it! ⭐️
Congratulations to music team, research team and other technical crew - you all worked in perfect tandem to realise this wonderful vision!👍🏼
All I can say is, I am PROUD of Aamir Khan and his team with Satyajit Bhatkal! I salute their efforts, their courage to see this project through despite all odds and the fortitude of their team - that dealt with hostile elements while making documentaries and doing research. Hats off guys!
Aamir and Co. (including STAR!) never needed to do this show. It wasn't their job. Still they chose to do it and how!👏 You're winners team Satyamev Jayate!
Wish more mainstream influential voices take up projects like you guys did. Thanks for the education, inspiration and inciting self introspection among us audiences.😊
Eagerly awaiting second season of Satyamev Jayate! Clearly THE BEST and truest reality show in India! And best contribution by a movie star on TV. More power to you guys!🥳
And yeah Star Plus!! You earned a whole lot of credibility in my eyes with Satyamev Jayate! Finally one show of yours which actually stuck to issues throughout! 👏
Here's to the Summer of Sanity and Awareness on Indian television! Finally one publicised effort which was worth every bit the hype! You guys got awesome coverage and praise in international media too - made us proud globally as well! Kudos!😃
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
Hindi TV Shows
Bigg Boss 19
