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Journalism of Courage
Zee TVs upcoming show Shobha Somnath Ki promises to take the audience to the 11th century Bharuch. Here art director Jayant Deshmukh talks about recreating the erstwhile sets.
Zee TV recently unveiled the sets of their brand new historical drama,Shobha Somnath Ki. Spread across nine acres of land at Talasari,on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway,the set took nearly a year to complete and required 500 to 600 workers to build it. The set,which is still in the making is designed by art director,Jayant Deshmukh,who has some 30 odd serials and nearly 32 film set designing in his reportaire. His work include Bidaai,Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyar,Aamrapali from the TV world and Tere Naam,Maqbool,Singh Is Kinng,Raajneeti and the upcoming Aarakshan.
The nine acres of land have been divided into three main villages,namely Tripura,Patan and Bharuch and boasts of palaces and temples.
Speaking about the magnificent work of art,Deshmukh said,Recreating 11th century Bharuch required a lot of research and understanding. There were two major challenges,one, to see that the set doesnt look mythological and two,to make the palaces look authentic for which I had to do a lot of detailing in terms of the minute carvings on the pillars,the gems on the walls and also the colours. The main centre of attraction being the Somnath Temple,the artist says that he actually visited the temple to learn more about it. The replica of the temple is built 110 feet tall and has a number of pillars,a giant bell hanging a top,a Shivling and large kalash over it.
Though the sets are beautiful,it is quite a herculean task for the actors to travel from Mumbai to Talasari on a daily basis. Yash Tonk,who plays the role of King Dada Chalukya,says,I drive all the way to the sets from Mumbai. It is a three-hour drive,which means a total of six hours,to and fro. Amrita Raichand,who plays the role of Maharani Gayatri Devi of Bharuch,adds,This place is far away from Mumbai. So,if we are required,we even stay on the sets for days to complete schedules. But there are no complaints because I am enjoying what I am doing. She further adds,This is the first time I am doing a daily soap and that too a period drama. I had to do a lot of research,but I am familiar with many Royalties from Rajasthan,I simply studied them and it helped. The ethnic costumes,the palaces,the rich temples with the ancient architecture make me feel good about this place. It is fun to be a part of this project.
The story of Shobha Somnath Ki revolves around the Somnath temple of Bharuch and its invasion by the Mughal emperor Mahmud of Ghazni. It focusses on Shobha,a little girl who stands tall against the invasion. Produced by Indira Media and Candlestick Productions,the show is set to go on air from June 20. The channel is hopeful of a positive response for the show. Says Akash Chawla,Head Marketing,Zee TV and Zee Cinema,says,With this show,we are taking the audience to the 11th century Bharcuch. It is a show that depicts our cultural identity and nationalism. If viewers liked our Jhansi Ki Rani,then I think they will like this show and its protagonist,Shobha,who is a little girl too. Not only the looks,design and the costumes,the makers have also put in efforts to telecast the show in High Definition.
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