Well-known TV Producer Rashmi Sharma is looking forward to her maiden venture in the mytho space, with the Star Bharat show, ‘Jag Jaanani Maa Vaishnodevi – Kahani Matarani Ki.
“This new show, which will go on air from 30th September (Mon – Sat) will address unanswered questions pertaining to the birth and journey of Maa Vaishnodevi on earth.”
“This is a new learning for me. I am concentrating not only on the look and feel, but even on the sets. Normally most shows do with two sets. Here we have erected five huge magnificent sets to justify the grandeur of the deity. A lot of research has gone behind the minute detailing of each set,” says Rashmi, who has made several shows such as Swaragini, and Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, which is still going strong on Colors.
“I am quite satisfied with the output, given the short amount of time on hand. I am waiting for the response of the audience when the set is unveiled.”
She further adds, “I am very excited with the VFX (Mata Rani riding the lion) bit as well. The whole team has worked very hard. This element should bring the whole family together, right from children to parents.”
Coming to its plot and structure, Rashmi says, “While it would be different from what you normally see in most mythos, it will appeal to our core women TG with its mother-child equation.”
What is your biggest challenge in this genre?
“I am not sure about others, but for me it is to present the story in an authentic manner, as it involves the sentiments of millions of followers. My aim here is not only to keep the believers happy, but to also convince the non-believers to join in the party.” She had earlier also produced the devotional show, Santoshi Maa.
On the lead kid who will play the child Mata, Rashmi says, “Aisha was selected for the child avatar of Mata Rani on the basis of her innocence and simplicity. So far, she is doing a good job.”
Shifting gears to the web, Rashmi does not feel that this huge medium is really a threat to broadcast TV, “Considering that both mediums have distinct audiences. Digital does not speak to the family audience. Being quite bold, I can’t watch it with my family, which is TV’s main USP. So given our cultural moorings, broadcast is not going anywhere too soon.”
“But yes, the entry of web has made the small screen storytelling scene more real. It is high time we jettisoned the over the top elements. I also don’t buy the argument that TV audiences demand the same. We tend to underestimate them.”
Interestingly, Rashmi has herself made some of the most high drama shows such as Sasural Simar Ka and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, etc.
In closing, she refuses to comment on her future projects, be it films or web. “I am a bit superstitious, so don’t want to talk about stuff until done.”