There was a time when saas-bahu shows ruled the roost. But off-late, there has been an influx of shows on Gods and Goddesses. Shows like Om Shanti Om on Star Bharat and Mere Sai on SET add to the devotional genre that has taken TV by storm, says Pragya Mittal

Faith-based shows on the small screen have always had many takers as it brings a ray of positivity and hope in the lives of the common people. From shows like Yatra on Star Plus to Bhakti Mein Bhakton Ki Shakti on life OK (now Star Bharat), these shows have inspired millions to live a peaceful and happy life. With an effort to strengthen  this sacred bond of God and his devotees, producer Pankaj Narayan has come up with a unique concept of devotional music reality show Om Shanti Om. The new show on Start Bharat is a blend of trends and traditions where contestants will sing onlybhajans and artis in each episode. This show is the first of its kind on TV that sees devotional music genre with a modern twist.

Each contestant in the show has different spiritual background and children from different religions showcase their singing talent. Contestants will be judged on their singing as well as devotional quotient. Unlike other singing reality show, this show has a unique way to  send back children home. “We don’t use the word elimination, we call it elevation,” Narayan explains.

The judges include Sonakshi Sinha, Shekhar Ravjiani and Kanika Kapoor. “Sonakshi’s spiritual side is not yet explored by the audience. Her father’s name is Shatrughan. Her uncles’ names are Ram, laxman and Bharat. Also, her home is called Ramayan, Above all, her schooling was done from Arya Samaj Mandir. Her devotional values are embedded in her by her family and that was the reason to choose her. Shekhar is renowned music composer has sung Hanuman Chalisa in contemporary format and has taken many initiatives to connect the youth with spiritual music. He is also the right person to judge this show. Kanika Kapoor has previously worked with Anoop Jalota and sung bhajans in the initial phase of her career. That’s why she is best suited to groom the contestants,” Narayan says.

The showmakers have also roped in yoga guru Ramdev Baba as mahaguru. “After changing the face of yoga in the country he has taken the responsibility to connect the youth with devotional music,” Narayan tells you.

After shows like Mann Mein Vishwas Hai which inspired hundreds of people to live a happy life, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) has come up with another devotional show titled Mere Sai which went on air on September 25, 2017, and is aired on weekdays at 7:30 pm.

The show started on the completion of 100 years of Sai Samadhi and will showcase the real-life teachings of Sai Baba.

 The director of Mere Sai, Nitin Vaidya, talks about how this show is different from other devotional shows which were previously aired on TV based on the life of Sai Baba.

“The show will not have any imaginary characters. It will showcase Sai Baba as a real life person when he came to Shirdi back in 1856. He became God in the minds of the people because of his teachings. It is not a mythological or religious show. It is a story based on a real life person who did not preach about a particular religion but encouraged equality among people,” Vaidya says.

Moreover, the show will explore the never seen before the relationship between Baija Maa and Sai Baba.

Sai believed that Baija Maa was his sister in the last seven births. She knew Sai before he became a saint. Her son, Tatya, was dear to the Sai. The role Baija Maa is played by Toral Rasputra, who has done shows like Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka. Sai Baba is played by Abeer Sufi.