Rakhi promises to be different

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

In an attempt to strengthen its viewer base in the afternoon time slot, Zee TV on August 27 introduced a new serial titled "Rakhi – Atoot Rishtey Ki Dor". The serial is aired in the afternoon, Monday through Thursday. While Zee's other soaps like "Meri Doli Tere Angna", "Maayka", "Dulhan" and "Betiyaan" are already quite popular, "Rakhi" promises to be a little different from saas-bahu sagas as the focus of its story is on the bond between a brother and sister.

The story of "Rakhi" draws from the age-old tradition of Rakshabandhan, a festival in which sisters tie rakhis on their brothers' wrists and pray for their well-being. In turn, the brothers pledge to protect their sisters from harm always. In the serial, Ayub Khan plays the character of Bhai Raja, while debutante Nupur Joshi portrays the role of his sister Rajnandani. Their relationship is the core of the show.

After marriage, Rajnandani is divided between the relations of her brother and husband. While the former is based on pure love and attachment, the latter is the call of duty and social norms. At the same time, the story also shows what a brother should do when his sister is in a crisis. Rajnandini balances the two relationships against much pressure to give up either of them.

Aastha, who plays Gunjan, Rajnandini's closest friend, says: "I don't think "Rakhi" is similar to typical saas-bahu serials as it's an energetic show. The audience already likes it."

Punit Goenka, Director, ZEEL, had said at the launch of the programme: "Zee TV has always endorsed subjects that deal with societal issues and with the launch of "Rakhi – Atoot Rishtey Ki Dor", we are moving a step further in the direction."

He added: "Zee TV had already narrowed the gap with its closest competitor in the afternoon time band and now with the launch of this show, we are certain to strengthen ourselves in that slot."

Thankfully, "Rakhi" has none of the so-called saas-bahu caricatures. It is woven around the simple and realistic bond between a brother and a sister.

A Film Farm India Ltd. creation, "Rakhi" is expected to be a refreshing change for those tired of watching melodrama on television.