Mahabharata for the BPO generation
Bobby Bedi (Bandit Queen, Saathiya) plans to package the age old tale of Pandavas and Kauravas into a game, stage musical, merchandise, TV series and finally a motion picture. With an international team in place he is quite confident about his ambitious project. Almost indifferent towards comparison. We catch up with him to find out if his vision will actually appeal to anew generation.
Bobby, you have planned to take brand Mahabharata across different media formats.
What makes the Mahabharata so special for you?
It's the most dramatic story ever told. You don't find such conflicts even in real life. The drama is still the same; it is only the technology that has changed.
Is this kind of repackaging required to appeal to the new generation?
Absolutely. Don't forget, the current segment of TV viewers was under the age of five during the 80s. These people want to see a contemporary look and a fresh cast that appeals to them. Why do you think Don was remade? It is only the older guys who will tend to compare. I am talking to the BPO generation.
Why do you think other remakes failed?
They did not re-look at the subject. Most of the remakes tried to give the viewers more of the same old thing. If you look at the new Ramanya, they haven't changed anything. (Avoiding any controversy he is quick to praise the show). But I think its getting decent ratings.
My policy is if you give something your best, chances are pretty high that even the viewer will be involved.
Why have you gone for a cast full of newcomers?
I have always worked with fresh faces. Bandit Queen had all new faces. My first serial Rajdhaani had Saakshi Tanwar and Varun Badola who you refer to as starts today. With new talent you can work in a captive unit where the entire start to finish production happens at one location.
How will you promote your Mahabharata-as a mythological or a fantasy saga?
Purely as a drama.
