American cult series Everybody loves Raymond wills soon return on Indian television as Sumit Sambhal lega. Creator Philip Rosenthal tells Rupinder Kaur that the show will be more realistic for viewers to relate to
Raymond and his plaid shirts, his over-worked loving wife who vents her frustration towards him, the incessant bickering of his folks or with his folks, his dancer/policeman older brother who is around 6’8 feet — all will soon be seen with of course some relatable tweaks on Star Plus.
Everybody loves Raymond, the all time favourite American sitcom, is now being adapted as Sumit Sambhal lega which will go on air this August.
The creator of the original series, Philip Rosenthal, says that he “couldn’t be happier.”
“I watched an episode with Hindi subtitles and it was terrific. I really hope the people would love it,” shares Rosenthal who ran the original series from 1996 to 2005.
Though the executive producer wasn’t directly involved in the show, Rosenthal’s friend and writer Steve Skrovan has been hired to work on the production.
Rosenthal tells us that Everybody loves Raymond had also been adapted in Russia, Egypt and Holland. His experience of adapting the series for the Russian audiences was documented and released as Exporting Raymond in 2010.
“I learnt that the people needed to make it on their own. I just leave it alone and don’t need to take charge. Their culture and sensibilities is what they need to add for the people to relate to. Even when I watched the Hindi episode, I didn’t get any of the references but I had a great laugh. But yes if I am asked for any opinion, I’d be happy to help,” he tells us. Compared to the Indian soap operas, the creator says this show’s style “will be more natural and realistic without much exaggeration.
“People are used to high drama but we wanted it to be something a little more believable. like when you see the arguments on the show, you will think that I’ve had a similar squabble with my wife or my friend. We were trying to be honest in our stories by including real events, he informed.
Rosenthal though has never been to India, says he loves Bollywood films and would visit soon. “I have Indian friends in los Angeles and I just love the food. I will come to see the production work and meet the wonderful actors,” he says.
The makers have roped in actor comedian Deven Bhojani to direct the show. Deven is known for his excellent comic timing and his set to wear the director’s hat for this show. Namit Das will be seen playing the role of Sumit.