Of Shanno, shaadi and smiles
‘Shanno Ki Shaadi’, the weekly show produced by UTV on Sundays for Star Plus, is the story of a Halwai community which exports sweets world over. Shanno, played by Divya Dutta, is the daughter of Shadilal Halwai, the president of the community.
She is innocent with a lovely smile and can make the best parathas in the world. Her family simply has one wish - 'Shanno ki shaadi ho jaye'.
Arjun, an NRI lands up in Shadilal’s dhaba and falls in love with Shanno. But as he doesn’t belong to the Halwai Biradari, he faces a problem in marrying Shanno. A take off on ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, this weekly is climbing steadily up the popularity charts.
The sequence to be shot was Arjun turning into a Halwai to appease the family and community of the girl he wants to marry. There are certain conditions he has to fulfill.
He has to learn to make parathas and lassi. Then he has to get himself stitched a pathani, the dress of the Halwais. Only then would he be somewhat considered as a prospective bridegroom.
Vikas Bhalla as Arjun
"This is a completely different story from the usual TV soaps. Director Rajiv Mehra is an ace with comedy, the cast has got interesting with senior actors, and most importantly I have the main role."
Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Shadilal Halwai (Shanno’s father)
"I don’t watch much of TV these days but everybody is saying that this show has a different concept. I am enjoying playing the fictitious character of a Halwai."
Shoma Anand as Swaran (Shanno’s mother)
"The comedy is very subtle. Working with Kamini Kaushal is also a great experience for me. She is a real sweetheart."
Kamini Kaushal as Bebe (Shanno’s grandmother)
"Working in this serial is fun for me. I love enacting the love-hate relationship with Nanhelal who is my old flame in this show."
Rajendra Mehra as Nanhelal (Bebe’s ex-flame)
"This is a warm comedy which brings a smile on every viewer. This type of situational comedy is not seen these days. After being in this industry for about 20 years, I love working with the younger generation. They are so enthusiastic and energetic despite working for 12-14 hours daily."
Neelu Kohli as Kaanta (Shanno’s aunt)
"The serial does not have the zooms, sharp cuts or change of lights to show the drama. The story itself is dramatic. It also has no negative characters. The sets have a feel-good atmosphere."