From launching new shows during festivals, changing the programming strategy and bringing special tracks and mahasangams, the soap dish is in a festive mood. SANGEETA YADAV speaks with showmakers and channel heads on what to look forward to

Karwachauth and Dussehra may be over but showmakers are all geared up for special festive tracks where viewers will get to see new plots unfolding or just celebrating festivals with fanfare.

After a grand Dussehra celebration in Kumkum Bhagya and Neeli Chhatri Wale, Zee TV is going to have Diwali special in shows like Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (ETRETR) and Jamai Raja. “In ETRETR, we’ll be showing Gayatri’s (Dhrashti Dhami) first Karvachauth followed by Diwali celebrations. But we are not doing anything big in other shows,” Sunjoy Wadddhwa, CMD, Sphere-origins, tells you.

As for Colors, Balika Vadhu will have a Diwali special track but only as a backdrop. “There will be Diwali celebrations woven into the natural course of the story. Normally, in our storytelling, we don’t try to force in things. But if festivals come into the flow of the story, we incorporate it,” Wadddhwa says.

One is told that there are two parts of festival special — one is progression and second, ornamentation of the situation which happened when festivals like Karwachauth or Diwali come. It beautifies the show and gives it more colour and sparkle. The story is woven in such a manner that both become part of each other.

Sony Entertainment Television too is integrating the festival special in Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman. “Our story revolves around the festive thus it becomes topical for us. During Durga puja, we did an integration of Durga in Hanuman where she comes in and blesses him with her 10 powers which he then uses to rescue the nine planets. Towards Diwali, we’ll be rolling out the storyline where we’ll showcase the meeting of Hanuman and Ram,” Abhimanyu Singh CEO, Contiloe says. He also tells you that incorporating the festivals in historical shows would not make much sense. Therefore, apart from Hanuman, the other two shows — Bharat ke Veer Putra Maharana Pratap and Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat will not have specials.

SAB TV is all set to celebrate Diwali with a special series called SAB Ki Diwali on November 6 where all the actors from all SAB TV’s shows will come together and perform to popular songs.

But what is the reason for these special if not to boost TRPsIJ “Festivities are an integral part of our culture. Celebrating a festival on TV with mahasangams etc, doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a jump in the ratings. Yes, there is a difference in viewership as people want to see what is happening in their favourite character’s life during the festival season. But ratings go up on the basis of how best they are able to relate to the character, how good the story is and how well you are weaving the festival celebration in the storyline. We don’t put a special track out of the blue and say today is Diwali, let’s celebrate and next day, go back to the original storyline. It has to be prepared well in advance. That’s why not many shows do a festive track,” Wadddhwa explains.

Also comes into play is the budget which is allotted. “If you want to do a track around festivities, one needs extra budget. If you have the money, you go ahead and incorporate it, otherwise just mention it or use it as a backdrop and no extra budget is required,” Wadddhwa says.

Then there are some channels which are revamping their programming strategy and weekly schedule by coming up with new shows. Every Saturday, Zee TV has special mahasangams of the shows.

FX has a special line-up of shows with revamped programming. “These are some of the best line-ups that will ensure lot of  entertainment for the viewers. We’ve modified our programming keeping in mind the festivities and are all set to air new shows like Strain, luther, lilyhammer, The Missing and Backstorm. With the premiere of new shows and airing of season special content, we want to provide the viewers an opportunity to watch  quality television-viewing experience,” the channel spokesperson says.

There are other shows like Jaane Kya Hoga Rama Re by Shobhana Desai Productions, which is all set to give out social message — victory of good over evil. The show, about to go on air on life OK, kickstarts with Dussehra and Diwali celebrations with the tagline — Saamaaj mein bahut saare Raavan hain, par apko sabse pehle apne andar ke Raavan ko marna chaiye.

The reason for all this revamping is that showmakers feel festivals are the best time to launch their shows by offering wholesome entertainment as families come together to celebrate in a big way. “People are in good mood and come together. For entertainment they switch on the TV. This helps them bond as well,” Desai says.

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