Inside Programming: Shaheen

The Channel Perspective

A Sony Entertainment Television programming executive explains why they selected Shaheen amongst the hundreds of TV series proposals that come their way every month. And how it progressed from pilot stage to airing on one of the most exciting television channels in India.


Why was Shaheen taken on ?

Prima facie the concept was seen as being very humane and identifiable as it reflected the story of many Indian girls who have to crush their ambitions and desires to marry when their parents deem fit. That too to the man of their parents choice, often without getting the opportunity to get to know him better. And being expected to make all adjustments to make the union work

In Shaheen's case what added to the drama was that her husband Junaid was previously married with a 10-year-old son. This fact was kept hidden from her by own father who seeks a Nawabi alliance at any cost. What should she do? Should she stay or leave? Shaheen is faced with dilemmas at various points and a lot of Indian women would identify with this.

Another dimension of interest was the underlying cultural difference between traditional Lucknow and urban Mumbai. Can a Mumbai girl adjust to life in a Lucknowi haveli and learn "Lucknowi Tehseeb" ?

It also gives us a glimpse into the seemingly fascinating lifestyle of Nawabs. What does being a Nawab mean in today's day and age. Are the age-old traditions still intact?

How is the story different from other serials?

The story idea in itself is unique in the sense that marriage to an older widower with a son has not been depicted before. What's more the man is still in love with his ex wife a la Rebecca. Again the cultural differences between two cities that have been highlighted also sets it apart.

The concept required shooting outside of Mumbai to depict life in a Lucknowi haveli which in itself is refreshing in light of overexposure to the bungalows and studios used for TV serials.

Not to mention the old world charm, which exudes from the haveli settings and mannerisms of the Lucknow residents, which adds to the appeal. It's almost like being transported to another world.

The serial also differs from others in terms of the treatment. A conscious attempt was made to make the characterisations and dialogues believable and subtle and do away with the loudness and over acting typical to many shows

Steps involved: from concept to… on air.

• The pilot and concept were submitted, basis which the approval was given.

• The name "Shaheen" used in the pilot was retained. And so was Juhi Parmar, the young girl who played Shaheen with great conviction in the pilot.

• The story line and parallel track of other characters were sketched out and further developed

• The casting, which was crucial to the show understandably, took a long time to be finalised. The cast includes an interesting mix of theatre personalities, some new faces as well as established veterans like Sushma Seth. Interestingly Surekha Sikri who played Begum Sahiba in the pilot was to be retained. Since she could not spare dates Sushma Seth was roped in and this decision added a lot of weight to the project

• Another important task was finding the "Lucknowi Haveli". The authenticity lies in the fact that the serial has been actually shot in a haveli and no sets have been created. After scouting for more than a month we settled on Bhopal after taking in to account visual appeal and practical considerations. Of course a bit of touch up was required to make it shoot worthy

• Simultaneously the title montage, logo and advertising of the show were being worked on. Shaheen has been depicted as the main protagonist to create empathy for her character and other characters are always shown from her point of view. This approach has been extended to on air promotion as well.

• The on air promos were developed with a view of creating a unique dreamy look and giving the viewers a flavor of the show. Beads, paisley and gold were used to create an ethereal, old worldly feel.

• A lot of time was spent on the development and recording of the title track. The title track is in fact one of the highlights of the show. The sound track has a Muslim ghazal feel to it with the lyrics depicting the story of Shaheen in first person- a woman with dreams, which get shattered along the way but she still hopes for happiness. The title montage shows Shaheen's world in the Lucknowi Haveli with interactions with different characters. The title montage was shot separately in Lucknow by the team at Sony Entertainment Television

• And of course last but not least the promotion of the show. The show was announced in a joint press conference along with other shows. This was followed up with press ads in leading publications and on air promos.

  
  

  To read more about The Making of Shaheen click on the links below
  

  Actors

  On location report

  Location

  Director

  Producer