On The Sets Of

Amit Behl, producer On how Aamrapali was conceptualised Actually, this serial was approved by Doordarshan for producer D Venkateshwar Rao nearly seven years ago. But it did not take off due to the vast planning and unprecedented initiative it required. Finally when we joined hands and formed our own production company Asthvinayak Telefilms, Rao came to us with a proposal to co-produce the serial. Since, we as producers had planned to go in for big-scale and path-breaking programmes, we gave it serious thought and eventually decided to go ahead. Besides, we felt that a subject like this has universal appeal and will be received well by the international audience. On the sets used for Aamrapali The sets have been built over an area of five acres at a cost of approximately Rs 45 million. This will be amortised over 104 episodes, planned as of now. The set includes two villages, a pond, an ashram, main corridors and the mahals. The part of the story we are shooting is centered at Vaishali. The sets will be reworked once the story shifts to Magadh-the other important town in the story. It took approximately two months to build the entire set, designed by ace art director Jayant Deshmukh. Apart from Aamrapali, we are planning to shoot two more historical serials and one feature film on the same sets in the coming years. On the economic viability of the project I don't have a definite answer at this point of time. But whether it makes profit or not, at the end of the day we will have the satisfaction of giving some top quality stuff to the world. Also, we are looking at a long-term perspective. Initially, we might incur losses but we're very sure that this program will get an international audience and over a period of years we plan to make money by selling the telecast rights in several countries. The serial is being dubbed in several regional languages and will be telecast on DD's regional channels. DD has its own advantages, which will come in handy in a serial like this. On the preparation that went into the character he plays (Somdutt) I read a couple of versions of Aamrapali to get a first hand feel of the subject. Besides this, I had lengthy sessions with my writer, BM Vyas who explained the character to me. See, this character has his roots in Magadh but heads the army of Vaishali. Even though he is a staunch patriot, he is never above suspicion, due to his roots. His predicament is similar to the one of Mohajirs in Pakistan. I have rehearsed a lot for this role. On the USP of the programme Even though it's a historical, it's a very relevant subject. Aamrapali's character can be equated with a modern day prostitute, if I may say so. Of course, in being so, she is a victim of circumstances. It's an adult theme for a mature audience. It also has in it great action, great music, great choreography, intense romance, passion and stunning drama-elements that would make it stand out.