By Anil Merani: Producer Arvind Babbal is very happy with his Zee TV show, Vasudha, which is now #1 on the TRP sweepstakes.
“We always had confidence in our story about a young girl who stands for the truth, and is compassionate and helpful as well. This positivity always wins acceptance in the Hindi heartland (our core TG).
Our 500+ epi journey has been a slow, consistent effort. We started with 0.9 and gradually scaled the summit. Our story has also seamlessly moved from a mother-son to a mother-in-law-daughter-in-law equation.
I must thank the channel for maintaining its faith in us” We took the south story (Inspired from a Telegu show) and set it up in Rajasthan. Our characters, scale and pace have been adapted to Hindi belt standards.”
“I will also thank my team, which has stood behind me. We work like a family, not bothering about departmental boundaries,” says Arvind, who has produced other shows like Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani and Mithai.
Arvindji is quite happy that Zee TV has seen a complete turnaround of late, with shows like Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, Tum Se Tum Tak, and, of course, Vasudha leading the charge.
Here, I will credit Chief Content Officer, Zee Entertainment, Raghavendra Hunsur, who has the pulse of the audience and knows what will click “
Talking about the casting, Arvind is impressed with the efforts of the leads.” Priya Thakur is a hardworking gal. She is ready to put in the hard miles, and we, too, have helped her along the way through workshops. Priya has really grown as an actor from day one.”
Arvind, who has directed several shows like Saraswatichandra, Dil Se Dil Tak and Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, says, ” What works on TV is human emotions and desi connect. Our medium is the only platform where you can watch a show with your folks sans embarrassment, unlike nudity and intimacy, which abounds on OTT and films.”
“Yes, TV has lost the urban Gen Z who are more attuned to bingeing OTT/ verticals on mobile. Small-town youth who believe in the desi vibe are still with us. “
“I am hopeful for a time when the generation divide gets bridged, and parents and kids can be on the same page.
My stories will continue to keep that as their motif,” ended he
