By Hindustan Times
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s big-screen productions was making headlines for the entire right reasons of late. Rowdy Rathore made it to the Rs. 100 crore club. His upcoming film, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, have been the controversy of town lately for its hilarious promos. However, his first small-screen project have been stuck for a while now and should take longer than its promised deadline to come back on air.
Bhansali was in talks with Star Plus for producing a tele-serial in accordance with the preferred Gujarati novel, Saraswatichandra by Govardhanram Madhavaram Tripathi, for a year now. The tale of the show, set within the early 20th century, will take care of the reformation period which witnessed the meltdown of old social customs and traditions.
The pilot for the show was shot in January this year and was shown to the channel already. In May, the filmmaker had told us, “It’s a huge, four-volume literary work with chunks of fabric. The work remains to be occurring. But I CAN discuss my TV stint intimately later.”
Actors Jennifer Winget and Gautam Rode were roped in a year ago with the promise that they'd play the leads within the show. However, when asked, Gautam seemed completely ignorant of any developments. He says, “There isn't any news on when the show will go at the floors. We shot the pilot about seven-eight months ago and were extremely thrilled with the idea that. We've been hearing things from everywhere except from the production house. Within the meantime, I’ve taken up another assignment with Star Plus.” Jennifer adds, “We had some meetings at the show with the producers. But there's no date set for starting the shoot. Last I heard, we were starting this month. In case you find out, please do allow us to know.”
Other producers who tried
Red Chilies Idiot Box: The corporate has reportedly shut shop. It produced shows like Ghar Ki Baat Hai and Up Close And private With PZ. That they had once aimed to supply a sequel to Fauji.
Mukta Arts: In 2009, Subhash Ghai was planning to make a TV serial with a number of newcomers from his film school. The project is yet to peer the sunshine of the day.
Rajshri Productions: Woh Rehnewali Mehlon Ki was their first show seven years ago and they’ve made many other serials after that.
Sagar Art: After making movies by the dozen within the 1970s and ’80s, this production house stepped into TV production with mythologicals.
