AFTER MYTHOLOGY, IS IT SAAS-BAHU TIME?

The sagas that had redefined Indian TV, now hope to win audiences all over again

Agreat strategy or crisis management — reruns of phenomenally popular mythological shows Mahabharat and Ramayan or sitcoms Dekh Bhai Dekh and Shrimaan Shrimati during the lockdown are proving to be quite the game-changer on TV. Now, with Balika Vadhu the latest to return, many feel getting back iconic saas bahu sagas such as Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagi Kay and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, among others, will boost TRPs.

Producer Rajan Shahi feels good shows will resonate whenever they air. “If we bring back saas-bahu shows which started a new phase on Indian TV, broadcasters can cash in on the popularity again,” he says.

Avika Gor, aka the young Anandi of Balika Vadhu, is overwhelmed as her show returns. “It was a one-of-its kind show, and each episode had a message that made a difference,” she says.

Actors who became a household name with these shows also feel it’s a great idea to bring them back.

Urvashi Dholakia aka Komolika of Kasautii... feels people will love to go down memory lane. Other than her show, she says, “I’d also like to see Kahaani... because I love Sakshi Tanwar’s acting and the whole cast was perfect. Even Ghar Ek Mandir and Mehndi Tere Naam Ki were very relatable and the characters beautifully etched.” Echoing the sentiment, Hiten Tejwani of Kyunki... says, “All these shows hold a great recall value and will definitely get a good audience. Even the current generation will be able to connect.”

Though the popular sitcoms are doing well on screen, getting daily soaps back “involves calculative risk”, points out scriptwriter Gajra Kottary. “Most of these are long-running shows and once the lockdown is over, the new shows would be back. Balika Vadhu for instance, went on for eight years, so it will club two episodes and air for an hour daily. So, some broadcasters are playing it safe by going for shows with shorter episodes,” Kottary

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