Shekhar Kapur to turn narrator on small screen

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is looking forward to his new role as the narrator of politics-based reality series 'Pradhan Mantri', which aims to bring to the audience the never seen before facets of Indian history.

"We are trying to tell untold stories. History is an interpretation. In this show, we have tried to do as much research as possible. Our past leaders left behind a lot of letters, which somehow never got into print and those are the main research material used in this show," Kapur said at the launch of 'Pradhan Mantri' here today.

Initially conceptualised for 23 episodes, the weekly programme will chronicle the history of India from 1947 to the present day. 'Pradhan Mantri' will be telecast every Saturday night at 10 pm from July 13 on ABP News.

"It is a story about independence with a specific point of view and we have tried and dealt with stories which still affect us and has a significance in our lives," the 'Bandit Queen' helmer said.

India has had 13 Prime Ministers in these 65 years, and the 67-year-old director said the programme will attempt to present the changes in the country during their tenures.

"For me it was an eye opener. I also got to know a lot of things which I have never heard of. I know the show will be controversial because a lot of things which were buried will be brought out in this programme," Kapur said.

The director, who was last seen on the small screen as a judge of on reality show 'India's Got Talent', said, "I feel the current generation must know what was going on. This show will provide a window to people to go out and find the truth about the past."

ABP Group Editor, Shazi Zaman, said a long research, collection of rare documents and footage are some of the exclusive and strong features of the series.

He also said that special cinematography and dramatic visualisation will make the series watchable.

When asked why the channel decided to have Kapur on board, Zaman said, "The show has depth that is why we wanted someone knowledgeable and intelligent to be the face of this show.

I agree he is very busy but he is also very committed towards what he does. Once he loved the concept he was completely immersed in it."