Sumeet Raghavan says why the cult comedy show was compelled to return
Sumeet Raghavan believes that the show which changed his career, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, grew in people’s mind retrospectively and balloooned up to a demand for a second run. But its first TV run was hardly rosy, though playing Sahil Sarabhai in the series did ensure him socio-comedic roles on TV. “Initially the show was a flop. It was launched on a new channel of the Star network, which was very niche. The audience did not understand the pitch of the show as they were unable to overcome the orthodox staples of daily soaps. The TRPs were pathetic. People perceived it as a simple comedy show and nothing special and that was the reason that the show had such a short span. It simply didn’t do well because it came much ahead of its time,” the actor has us know.
“We didn’t take it seriously at first but then people would stop us on roads and ask us why the show was pulled off. We were basically compelled to return,” he adds.
But to everyone’s surprise, the show gained popularity in re-runs, years after it had been discontinued. People started to understand the concept of the show as a result of which it was re-telecast on different channels.
Raghavan tells us how the ensemble cast, which had bonded so well during the show, kept up their association regardless of the show’s fortunes or return. And when one of the pictures of their get-togethers went viral in 2016, the social media chorus for a return became a tidal swirl that made sense to producer JD Matheja. “It was Rupali Ganguly (Monisha Sarabhai) who formed a WhatsApp group named Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and then we all had this get-together. Viewers became so excited to see the team together again that they wanted us to come back. It became so chaotic that we couldn’t handle the response. It was a collective decision that if the viewers were showering us with love, then we owed it to them to make a comeback,” says Raghavan.
He is happy it is premiering on Star’s digital platform called Hotstar. “Entertainment is now about personal pleasure. Everyone has access to the internet on their smartphones and so it is comfortable for viewers to enjoy a show at their pace and time. So we will get committed hits for sure,” predicts the actor.
In order to spice up the sitcom, there will be three additions to the Sarabhai family. Sahil and Monisha’s son, Sahil’s sister and our favourite poet Roshesh’s fiancé. The new season of Sarabhai is as promising from its teaser as its earlier season. People cannot wait to see Maya Sarabhai looking down at her bahu Monisha Sarabhai and criticising her on her lack of social etiquette and elite behaviour. The fans have terribly missed Madhusudhan pupha and his “Hain!,” Monisha’s lament after every fight with Sahil, “Main ghar chod ke jarahi hun” and to top them all off, Roshesh’s poetry which stands unmatched till date.
Raghavan feels that the television hasn’t evolved and says it is one reason they are lauching the show on internet instead.
“Television hasn’t evolved at all as shows like Naagin are still a hit and that was another reason for launching the show on internet as it caters to the smarter younger audience.”