From 'Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai' to 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay' Indian TV enjoys the era of serial redux

Old hits, whether in films or on TV, are slowly and steadily making their way back. While Bollywood saw a redux of Judwaa last year, small screen’s Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai (2004) returned with the same cast, but on the digital platform. The popular comedy Hum Paanch (1995) was also revisited with an all-new cast as Hum Paanch Phir Se. Hip Hip Hurray (1998), the popular teenage drama, came back as Class of 2017 on a digital platform with an all-new cast. Now, a plethora of old serials are being brought back — some with a new cast, and some with the same actors who were part of the original show. The wacky comedy, Khichdi (2002), naughty sitcom Shriman Shrimati (1994) and family drama Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001) are set to weave their magic on the viewers again. 

While Khichdi has all the actors from the original retained with new ones making a walk-in appearance in every episode, Shriman Shrimati Phir Se has a completely new set of actors. Sources say the casting for Kasautii Zindagii Kay is underway. After Hrs explores the reasons behind bringing back these hit shows. 

NEW SHOWS NOT WORKING

Producer JD Majethia, who earlier reprised Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and is now revisiting Khichdi, says old shows are being brought back because new serials are not working. “There is no initial for new shows — the opening is not decent. And people are no longer loyal to the brand (show). So, makers are bringing back their old hits, especially comedies, which have the potential to do well. These are brands which did well in their time. Whether it’s Khichdi, Shriman Shrimati, or Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, they have a universal appeal and are eternal. Even today’s generation can connect with them,” he reasons. 

Agrees Rajan Shahi whose Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has completed nine years and is still going strong. “The fact that long-running shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, and Kumkum Bhagya are the ones broadcasters are still banking on, proves that there is a market for old serials or the ones that did well. New shows are not getting that audience. That is why broadcasters are bringing back old classics,” he states. 

Rajan Waghdhare was inspired to bring back Shriman Shrimati because several makers have made serials based on the concept of his show (married men eyeing each other’s wives), which turned out to be hits. “This means that people want to see it. So, we thought why not bring back the original? What we have done is retained the same script and made a few contemporary changes, like the landline has been replaced by the mobile. However, the cast is all new, comprising today’s actors who people want to see,” he says. 

DEARTH OF GOOD WRITERS?

Khichdi is scripted by the same writer — Aatish Kapadia, who had penned the earlier one, too, while for Shriman Shrimati Phir Se, Rajan is depending on the 20-year-old script written by Ashok Patole, the original writer. 

“That’s because it is difficult to find good writers now. This kind of writing is difficult. Earlier, these were weekly shows and a lot of hard work went into writing the episodes, but now there are dailies, the scripts of which are churned out like a factory. So, we thought people who have missed the earlier show can enjoy it now with the same characters, the same punches, albeit with new actors,” he explains. 

JD, however, feels that the audience connects with the characters as well as the actors. That’s probably one of the reasons Hum Paanch Phir Se in its new avatar did not appeal to the audience as much the first one. “People come to see the characters and actors they love the most, but if you change them, the risk is higher. Retaining the same cast is always important. That's why we did that with both Sarabhai.. and now Khichdi. We have kept the essence and the strength of the original, but made the issues contemporary and relatable,” he says.

MORE IN THE PIPELINE

Shahi is keen on bringing back his popular family drama Bidaai. “It still has a lot of life. I have a strong story for it and if the broadcaster wants, I can bring it back,” he smiles. Wagdhare, too, wants to reprise Yes Boss that ran for nine years. “If the experiment with Shriman Shrimati Phir Se works, I will remake Yes Boss. It’s naughty and an apt story for today,” he says. 

However, Rakesh Bedi, who has been part of the earlier Shriman Shrimati and Yes Boss, feels it’s very difficult to recreate the magic of the original shows. “The earlier characters are etched in people’s minds and they know the new one is a remake or a copy. In case of Shriman Shrimati Phir Se, the saving grace is that it’s the same director and script. Now, it depends on how the new actors manage it,” quips Rakesh.