Sister Act

Shastri Sisters

Produced by Shakuntalam Telefilms, Shastri Sisters is all set to rekindle the tale of sisters on television.We have seen saas-bahu sagas, mother-daughter stories, kitchen politics between sisters-in-law, but the love-hate relationship between sisters that was popularised by shows like Amanat, Betiyaan.. and Kasamh Se is making a comeback after a gap.
Neelima Bajpai, creative head and co-founder, Shakuntalam Telefilms said that Shastri Sisters is different, even though it is a woman oriented show. “Shastri Sisters is a tale of four siblings; their journey which includes their dreams, aspirations and facing the ups and downs of life together. The show is about the deep bond that these four sisters share. The characterisations are short and no one is shown to be picture perfect. Despite their differences, there is an underlying connection that they all share that becomes the focal point of the show,” says Bajpai. The show is inspired by Bajpai’s own life, who grew up in a close-knit family and shares a very special bond with her five sisters.
The four sisters – Alka, Anushka, Devyani and Peeya, are played by Neha Pednekar, Ishita Ganguly, Sonal Vengurlekar and Pragati Chourasiya respectively. With a fresh cast and relatable characters, the show includes characters such as the simpleton father, Narayan Shastri (played by Rajesh Jais), who has a government job and the good Samaritan Delhi-based landlord Mr. Sareen (played by Girish Sehdev). Speaking about her role, Chourasiya elaborated , “I am playing the youngest sister, Peeya, who is loved and pampered by everyone. She is very dependent on her sisters and is oblivious to what is happening around her. She has never stepped out of the house alone and is dependant on others to do simple things. She is very studious, but is also extremely immature.” Minty Sareen played by Neelu Kohli is the wife of the landlord, who is the only character that exhibits a grey shade.
Stories woven around sisters have always been a popular subject for television. Amanat that was aired on Zee TV in 1997, was one of the initial shows that set the template for sisterhood series. This tale of a father (Sudhir Pandey) and his seven daughters ruled prime time television for almost five years. What attracts directors to make shows on the reccuring theme? Screenplay writer Gajra Kottary says, “Television is basically a woman’s medium. Sisters are the most interesting of relationships within a family unit that holds potential for emotion as well drama. They tend to share a greater bond than brothers. Usually, sisters are very different from each other, even though they may have the same upbringing. The clash and conflict that sisters share, yet at the same time the love they have for each other is what makes it an interesting theme.”
Shastri Sisters promises to be a modern rendition. “The taglines of the show is ‘Your best friend for life’ and we are looking to present a 2014 version of the relationship that has been presented in the past.Previous TV shows about sisters like Kasamh Se were full of melodrama. They were about love triangles and heightened drama, whereas in Shastri Sisters, we have moved away from drama. What we have presented to you is a story about sisters but in a Monsoon Wedding mode. The realistic element is the biggest differentiator.” says director Siddharth Kumar. Taking about the relatabililty of the characters, television show writer Sonal Ganatra says, “Sisters have always been a hit formula but unlike earlier, Shastri Sisters is a progressive show. For example, when the second sister Alka wants to marry the boy of her own choice, the father readily agrees and even meets the boy. There is no confrontation. The third sister Devyani aspires to be in the armed forces.”
Fifteen episodes have been already shot in Delhi, however iconic Delhi monuments have not been captured. “When you think of Delhi, it’s usually Qutub Minar and Red Fort. We decided to stay from it. Given the feel of the show, we decided to keep it real. The girls are shown to live in Lajpat Nagar, which is where is it mostly shot. We have also shot at the central market in Lajpat Nagar, and in and around those areas. The audience will be presented with a real picture of Delhi, instead of typical tourist eye view, “ says director Siddharth Kumar. However, the fact that the show is based in Delhi can be a welcome change for the audience.
The show premiered on July 21 at 7 pm, which is an unusual slot for a family show. Bajpai says, “At 7 pm, shows that are usually aired on television channels are high on drama. Our show does not cater to the drama element. Shastri Sisters will present comedy, romance, and other relatable elements. We are looking at this as a clutter-breaking show. It is positive and warm, with no grandeur or opulence as such.”

Shows that celebrated sisterhood

Hum Paanch (1995-2006), Amanat (1997-2002), Sasural Simar Ka ( 2011- present), Kasamh Se (2006-2009), Betiyaan Apni Yaa Paraaya Dhan (2006-2007), Radha Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi ( 2008-2009)

kaushani.banerjee@expressindia.com