Ashwini Dhir is back with a new satire to tickle our funny bone. By Ramya Palisetty
The Chief Minister’s daughter fails her examinations. A perplexed CM instructs his staff to hire the best tutor. The principal is the first choice but since the CM’s daughter deserves the best, they think about hiring the secretary from the Ministry of Education. But in the CM’s opinion, she isn’t the most suitable candidate, so they go on to hire the education minister. But unfortunately, the education minister is rotting in jail for overlooking an exam paper leak. However, the Chief Minister yields absolute power and requests the minister to be granted two hours of parole every day to teach his beloved daughter. But as the story unfolds, it is revealed that the daughter fails yet again because the education minister himself had falsified degrees and had no educational qualifications.
These are some of the instances that will be depicted in the latest show on Star Plus, Har Shaakh pe Ullu Baitha hai. Starring Rajeev Nigam in the lead role, the comedy veteran Ashwini Dhir will be donning the director’s hat. Producer of well-known shows like Chidiya Ghar and lapataganj, he garnered immense appreciation as the writer of a social satire Office Office.
The name of the show is a stark reflection of how the common man is the ullu, unaware of the schemes and policies of the government. Said the director, “The ullu is us. We are taxed and axed and we do not even know our rights. We have ministers with limited qualifications ruling us and deciding our lives.” The show also depicts sub-plots encompassing the effects of sky-rocketing prices of vegetables, fuel prices, taxes and inflation. With the CM as the breadwinner, the family is seen enjoying the benefits and luxuries that accompanies a politician’s status quo. The inequality in terms of expenditure and the way of living between a common man’s family and a politician’s family is huge though both are citizens of the same nation. “We pay taxes whereas our politicians enjoy mineral water and better hospital facilities. The common man is suffering from the rising cost of vegetables, unable to afford basic amenities crucial for survival.There are individuals who do not even have access to clean drinking water,” said Ashwini.
Exhausted with no sleep for the past 28 hours, Rajeev Nigam is still doing round the clock promotions for the show releasing on television on February 26. As an actor and stand up comedian from Kanpur who has become a household name with shows like laughter Challenge, Super Model, Comedy nights with Kapil and Comedy Circus, he feels that political satire is the need of the hour. Though all his peers and colleagues have started their own shows, he has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. He recalls his days of writing because it has shaped his thoughts and helped him contribute in the creative process of this show that revolves around social issues, political issues and corruption. Said he, “Finally, I will be playing the protagonist and conveying the message to the people about the lives of politicians in a homourous way.” The audience had a positive feedback towards the promos of the show and the channel, production house and the actor has been receiving best wishes and congratulatory mails.
As opposed to political satires that are complicated with double meaning nuances, this show has been simplified to cater to the viewers of all ages from kids to the elderly. The actor asserts, “The format of the show begins on a fun note with a little bit of satire in the middle, ending on a stimulating social message.”
The stand-up comedian has been travelling across continents for live shows. The reason behind choosing this show was simple. “I loved the theme and the concept. The director, Ashwini Dhir, had a good grasp about how each and every issue prevalent in our society will be depicted in a hilarious way.”
“This show reveals how insensitive politicians have become. They are full of ego and they want all the forces to stay behind them. They do not even feel the exploitation of resources as a form of corruption anymore. They feel it is a way of life. We are also getting used to it. So, now all we can do is laugh, not on the politicians but on ourselves,” said Ashwini.
The channel was also keen on changing its strategy and bring in new content. largely dominated by saas bahu sagas that have been the constant fodder for housewives, this show aims to achieve something different. Said the actor, “The audience needs to develop a connect and a relatability quotient with the show. Once, that is achieved, the show will garner good TRP ratings. There was a time people didn’t know the channel on which Bhabhi ji ghar pe hain was aired but today, the show is widely appreciated, changing the image of the channel.”
A survey was carried out to zero in on the timings. With the feedback they received, the show is slotted for the prime time viewers. Unlike a lot of shows which have to be followed every day, you can start watching this show at any point of time since each episode is based on a single theme.
The role essayed by him in the show is difficult since he has to be present in all the scene. Said he, “Most days, it becomes hectic and gets to you.”
The show has all the ingredients to capture the imagination of the viewers and to spread awareness about what is happening in our country with a twist of wit.