My show not to impress anyone, but touch hearts: Mahesh Bhatt

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says the intention of his upcoming TV show "Naamkarann" is not to impress anyone but to touch the audience's heart.

Bhatt is starting his television innings with the fiction show, which he has created. It explores the journey of 10-year-old Avni, a curious but perceptive girl who will raise pertinent questions, which challenge societal norms.

"We have not tried to impress anyone (with the show), but to touch. In an age and time when everybody wants to impress and dazzle, I seek to touch, move, connect," Bhatt told reporters here last evening.

The show features a song by noted singers Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal, who also performed live at the event.

The 67-year-old "Saaransh" helmer was all praise for the duo and hailed Paudwal for creating a new era of music.

"I think without my musical team I wouldn't have been half as successful as I am. Twenty five years ago, it was Anuradha's vision that created a new era of music which gave birth to 'Aashiqui' and 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi'. We hope to resurrect that tradition (of melodies) and take it from strength to strength," he said.

The show features Arsheen Naamdar as Avni, a discovery of Bhatt, while actress Barkha Bisht returns to TV in the role of a mother.

Bhatt feels that despite being connected through various platforms of communication, people are getting lonelier day by day.

"Only when you connect, can the world get less lonely. In this age of communication where we claim to be connected we are getting lonelier and lonelier. I think if art and music has any function, it is to bring people closer," he said.

"I can say with absolute certainty that 'Naamkarann' is going to bring the nation and the world together. It is going to glue hearts," he added.

The show will be aired on Star Plus from September 12.