The dilemma for any popular television producer is whether to culminate his show when the narrative hits a dead end, or to prolong the show by weaving new twists and turns in a stale storyline. Producer Rajan Shahi of ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’ has decided to continue his popular serial, and feels that his show will receive more eyeballs if it is telecast at 11 pm – rather than its current timing of 8 pm. ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’ is the Indian version of the Pakistani the hospital drama ‘Dhoop Kinare’, which starred Rahat Kazmi and Marina Khan – and became hugely popular in both countries. It started with actor Mohnish Behl playing a silent mature Dr. Ashutosh, and a bubbly young Kritika Kamra as his love interest, Nidhi. However, Mohnish decided to quit the show, following health issues, and was replaced by Sharad Kelkar. The fact is that the show has lost its appeal, owing to the absence of Mohnish Behl, and the lack of any chemistry between Sharad and Kritika. The absence of Karan Wahi’s vivacious character, Rohan, is also missed by young girls, who find him adorable. Many thought that the show would end after the Ashutosh-Nidhi romance culminated in marriage. But the director wishes to introduce new twists in their romance, and drag the show in a new time slot. We wish him good luck.
The prime time slot vacated by ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’ is being taken up by a new fiction show ‘Byah Humari Bahu Ka’. The show has a Gujarati backdrop, and under the veneer of a love story, it aims to create social awareness. In essence, the show is on the lines of the Hindi musical blockbuster ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’; where a girl falls in love with her best friend – who is unable to reciprocate the feelings, as he loves someone else. So much for originality! Popular television actor Gaurav Khanna, seen in serials like ‘Kumkum’,’ Jeevan Saathi,’ and’ Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam’, has been roped in. Gaurav will play the male lead character, and sources reveal that his character will be positive and optimistic. Benaf Dadachanji and Shrenu Parikh have also been finalised as the female lead characters in the serial. Rumors are rife that heart throb Karan Wahi has been approached for a meaty role.
Meanwhile ‘Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke’, on Zee, has replaced ‘Choti Bahu’, a show which was never able to garner enough TRPs. ‘Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke’ is about Gunjan, a smart, suave 17-year-old Mumbai girl, who has a wonderful relationship with her mother Sneha. Tragically, Sneha is diagnosed with cancer and dies soon, leaving behind a lifetime of void in her young daughter’s life. Gunjan’s ‘maasi’, Shail, takes her under her wings, and requests her to come and stay with her. Gunjan moves to Benaras, where she has to share her room with Rachna, Shail’s 16 year old daughter. Rachna is brought up in a very traditional and conservative manner, in a middle class Benaras household, and is a complete contrast to Gunjan. Thus begins the story of two young girls who are like chalk and cheese – one is smart and suave, and the other gawky and awkward.
Many new shows, which question taboos such as remarriage or divorce, have emerged on national television. But most, like ‘Choti Bahu’ and ‘Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha’, have failed to garner eyeballs, despite refreshing themes. Perhaps television needs better script writers and mature directors, who can breathe life into maudlin soaps.
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