"Saarthi's TRPs are equivalent to some of the primetime soaps"
Chaya Unnikrishnan
Despite changes in the lead cast Saarthi, a modern-day Mahabharata, is soon nearing the 600-episode mark and producer Asit Modi is confident of taking the storyline ahead for a 1000 episodes, at least..
Asit Modi, producer of Saarthi, can't contain his happiness. His serial Saarthi has completed over 500 episodes on STAR Plus and is going strong even after two years in the running. Aired at 2.30 pm, the daily soap that comes after Kumkum and Bhabhi has probably not got as wide a publicity as its predecessors and yet has created a loyal viewership. "2.30 pm is a dead slot. It's a time when the womenfolk want to take a nap. But Saarthi managed to attract viewers with its unique storyline based on Mahabharata," points out Asit. For those who aren't tuned in to the serial, Saarthi is a modern-day Mahabharat with characters drawn from the epic. The only exception is Krishna whose character has been retained in its holy avatar. The daily has been averaging between 2.5 to 3 TRPs "which is equivalent to some of the prime-time soaps," says Asit proudly.
It's another matter that in the two years, the daily soap has undergone major changes, from the writer and location to its lead star cast. Initially, it was shot at MBC studios in Powai but later had to shift to Kandivli "because the builders wanted to use the premise for some other purpose". Neela Telefilms, Asit's banner, erected a similar set at Thakur Village and for the last six months the shots are being called from there. "I keep changing the colour scheme and bringing in new tapestry to give it a fresh look," informs Asit. Rajesh Joshi who was writing the story opted out six months ago and Jayesh Patil has taken over.
And in what could have been a major setback for the soap, but was not, was the replacement of the actress playing the protagonist Bhumika. Neha Devi Singh who was playing the role begged off for health reasons after two years of relentless shooting. "There was no acrimony, the parting was graceful and right now she has taken a break from the telly," informs Asit who nevertheless had to struggle for over a month to find another Bhumika. "Neha had established a strong brand and it wasn't easy to get somebody to fill in her shoes," he admits. He was looking for a face that was simple, strong and Indian. After numerous screen tests, he zeroed in on Zhalak Thakkar. "She accepted the challenge and though you cannot compare her to Neha, she has weaved her charm on the viewers," says the benevolent producer.
Zhalak, who is making her television debut with Saarthi, could have chosen a fresh serial for a launch-pad but "the role of Bhumika has everything an actress would want, which is why I took it up," says the pretty actress. How challenging her role was she realised only when she started shooting for it. She came at a point when the drama in the soap had reached a crescendo. Bhumika was married to Arjun but since she couldn't carry a child, Shefali had agreed to be the surrogate mother. Bhumika (Neha) who is shown to be dead, came back as Devika (Zhalak) intending to take revenge on Arjun whom she suspects of killing Bhumika (Phew!). Quite complicated, isn't it? Yet, Zhalak with the able support of her co-stars Anang Desai and Renuka Israni sailed through the difficult scenes and today is holding her own as a widow with a child in the serial. In six months, her role has journeyed through an entire phase of life... and death.
The next upheaval in the daily happened when Arjun aka Karan Grover wanted to opt out of the noon soap in the hope of gaining more exposure on a primetime daily, Meri Awaaz Ko Roshni Mil Gayee. Instead of replacing the actor, Asit decided to do away with the character itself and Arjun was killed in an accident.
Two days ago, Karan registered a complaint with Cine Artists Association that Asit hasn't paid him all his dues. On his part Asit says that all the payments have been made and in fact, Karan owes him money in lieu of the losses he suffered due to the latter's sudden exit. "I had to shoot at nights to create a bank of episodes as I was left in the lurch," he points out.
However, the show or rather the soap goes on, and this week a new character Shyam played by Manav Gohil enters the drama as an observer appointed by a Court which is investigating Arjun's death. Bhumika accuses her devar yuvraj of foul play and of causing the accident. Though Mansen admits that his son (Yuvraj) is responsible, he appeals to the better sense of Bhumika and asks for forgiveness. (Mansen's character is based on Dhritarashtra while Nawab signifies the Kauravas for whom the father had a soft spot despite their follies.) Bhumika of course refuses to let him go scot-free and registers a complaint and the case is being fought in the Court. Meanwhile, Mansen unearths a dark secret from Bhumika's past and claims that she is actually Devika! That sets the entry of Court Observer to find out the truth.
Manav, who is acting for the first time in an afternoon soap is looking forward to the role. "Though he is seeking the truth, he comes across as a very lovable shayari reciting, smiling character. Initially, it will start off as a cameo and if dates permit will continue," informs Manav who has another show in the pipeline. Post Nach Baliye, Manav along with his wife Shweta Kawatra has been performing for corporate shows. That explains his absence from the telly circuit. "I had taken a break, but now I am back," he smiles.
Zhalak who will be working with Manav for the first time avers that his track is good and the story is poised for another interesting turn.
Meanwhile, Asit who has to his credit many successful comedies like Hum Sab Ek Hai, Yeh Duniya Rangeen and Meri Biwi Wonderful is planning to return to his favourite genre soon. He's even working on a new show for one of the leading channels but what he is most excited about is a film which he will announce shortly.
contributed by - sia lovely
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