There was a time when SAB was just one of those general entertainment channels which did not have a focus and dished out programmes that few watched. However, in the recent past it has found its niche and also remodeled and respositioned itself as a family-comedy entertainment channel. Not only has that brought unprecedented success, but has also given the broadcaster a chance to work in a niche segment.
Be it Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmaah or Lapataganj, the most popular comedy shows have been on SAB. Continuing with their focus on making serials inspired by famous literary works, the channel has recently launched Papad Pol - Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya, a serial based on the writings of Gujarat’s legendary writer, comedian and humourist Shahbuddin Rathod. The show stars Swapnil Joshi and Ami Tridevi in the lead roles.
Papad Pol has a simple story and is based on the imaginary world of characters — Vinaychand, Kokila and Jayantilal — created by Rathod and revolves around the Parikh family searching for a perfect match for their 32-year-old son Vinaychand. Though Vinaychand’s mother feels that he is the most eligible bachelor, he is in fact, a school dropout. Understandably, it is not easy to find a great match for Vinaychand and therefore, the task of searching for his match is extended to all the families staying close to the Parikh family.
Like other shows on the channel, this show too makes us laugh with situations that we encounter in our daily life. The makers feel that the simplicity of the show will set it apart. Interestingly, Papad Pol has a social message at the end of every episode — a much needed element, considering the state of matchmaking in semi-urban or rural India even in the 21st century. Says Anooj Kapoor, Executive Vice President & Business Head SAB, “Our endeavour is to make Rathod’s characters famous across India through our show. We were the first to adapt literary works into television shows like Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmaah and Lapataganj and these shows have been very well received by the Indian audience.”
The actors are also charged up about the show. Says Swapnil Joshi who plays the role of Vinaychand Parikh, “I am really excited to get an opportunity to work on a show based on the writings of Shahbuddin Rathod. I have been associated with Gujarati theatre and did lot of homework to get into the skin of this character.” How did he get this role? “I was contacted by the makers of the show and offered this role. I wasted no time to say yes because the foolish yet endearing character of Vinaychand Parikh is something any actor would love to play. He is a simple and loving guy. He is not worldly wise and his only worry in life is to get married.”
Ami Trivedi who plays Kokila (Vinaychand’s muse) in the show also cites the storyline as one of the major reasons behind for her accepting to be a part of this show. “I have grown up reading Shahbuddin Ji’s stories and it’s great to get an opportunity to be a part of such an ensemble cast and enact the part of Kokila in the show.”
While the 80s and 90s saw some great literary works of Rabindranath Tagore, Munshi Prem Chand and Satyajit Ray being translated into television serials, after a gap of few years, soap operas took over. Fortunately for viewers, the trend seems to be back in vogue since the last few years. But how do the authors feel about their shows being transformed to television serials? Explains Shahbuddin Rathod, noted Gujarati humourist and comedian, “I believe that being serious and humourous is equally important. Hence all my shows include an element of seriousness along with humour.”
So come to the Papad Pol society and meet the endearing characters of Papad Pol - Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya, who are group of simple, relatable middle class people living together in a Pol — a group of residential units, which is a common sight in Gujarat, dating back centuries. Their honesty, unique outlook, simplicity, interesting quirks and loving nature will definitely bring a smile on your face.
‘Papad Pol - Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya’ is telecast at 8 pm from Monday to Thursday on SAB TV.