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According to Sahara's programming vice president Triptii Sharma,
the channel is attempting a total revamp in the prime time slot,
thereby encouraging habitual and long term viewing. "We are working
towards the content which will coax the viewers to the channel for
more. Currently we have a plan for this year and are working on
big properties with lots of programme concepts which are in the
pipeline," she says.
Apart from the much talked about Bimal Mitra creation Sahib
Biwi Gulam starring film actor Raveena Tandon, a period classic
that will go on air in March-April, Sahara Manoranjan is experimenting
with many more genres. Raat Hone Ko Hai weans the thriller
specialist B P Singh from Sony to Sahara. This one is expected to
launch latest by May. Also on the cards is an 'experimental journal
with filmstar Jackie Shroff', a surprise package that could launch
by mid 2004.
Cinevistaas, which earlier did the period series Draupadi for
Sahara, is back with a romantic triangle, Saathiya - Pyar Ka
Naya Ehsaas, scheduled again for Q1 2004-05. According to Sharma,
two other shows in the offing are Aavishkar - Ek Rakshak,
a science fiction show and Ruby Duby Hub Dub, a children's
adventure and a variety entertainment show. Also in the pipeline
is Jaal Jadu Janardan, another show for kids.
Says Sharma, "We are also planning a comedy band with shows from
reputed production houses, a film band, Hometheatre - a fantasy
adventure, as well as a music-based game show."
And of course, there is the Hema Malini starrer, Kamini Damini
and a long talked about show with film legend Amitabh Bachchan that
may also take off late this year.
As for the Sridevi starrer Malini Iyer, Sharma says the
response has been 'very positive'. Using an episodic theme, Sahara
has tried to pitch the character Malini above Sridevi the star.
"We have made news with Sridevi. Now, we want to create that
dent," she says. As for the 2003 big ticket showKarishma, the
Miracles of Destiny that has not really changed the fate of
the channel as expected, Sharma says the channel has made the essential
changes in the story and the screenplay, among other changes. As
for the future of the serial, Sharma says, "The show will go on
till the mandatory completion of 260 episodes." Sahara had last
year announced that Karishma.... would have a definite run
of 260 episodes and would not continue any show for the sake of
TRPS.
Commenting on the innovative programming strategy that Sahara is
toying with, Sharma says, "The idea is to bring in some path-breaking
programmes that provide different fare. The basic focus is towards
building a very strong prime time band."
After the primary focus of building the primetime is met, Sharma
says the channel will move towards bolstering the Sunday morning
slot as well as the afternoons.
See earlier story-
Sahara to start two Cinevistaas
shows shortly
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