Gujarati literature continues to shine on prime time TV

Gujarati flavour is here to stay on television. While shows like Firangi Bahu, Saraswatichandra, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, Sanskaar Dharohar Apnon Ki, Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Ekk Nayi Pehchaan — revolve around Gujarati family, what’s interesting to note is that Gujarati literature is again finding its hold on the prime time space of entertainment television.The buzz on the possibility of a TV adaptation of Kajal Oza Vaidya’s novel Yog-Viyog starring Jaya Bachchan in the lead, has brought forth the focus on the rich literary treasure of Gujarat that’s waiting to be exploited by Hindi GECS.
Earlier too, the small screen witnessed Hindi TV adaptations of many Gujarati short stories and novels. While Gujarati television has successfully adapted literary works of Jivram Joshi, Sharad Thakar and Joseph Macwan to name a few, Hindi GECs also saw a potential in Gujarati literature. Resham Dankh (2005-6) was adapted from Aatish Kapadia’s novel of the same name, while Bandini (2009-11) was adapted from Varsha Adalja’s Retpankhi, Papad Pol… Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya (2010-11) was based on the works of humorist Shahbuddin Rathod and Mukti Bandhan was a TV adaptation of Harkishan Mehta’s novel of the same title.
The ongoing and successful stint of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, based on Taarak Mehta’s Duniya Ne Undha Chashma seemed to have brought into focus the variety and rich layers of emotions that Gujarati literature can offer. Says Asit Kumarr Modi, “Sustaining the show for six years has been a major challenge. There is a change of 70 percent from the original stories with the addition of relevant characters and various social aspects, but the soul of the stories remain the same. The rich emotional and traditional component of Gujarati literature makes it relevant for TV today because the target audience comprises small town and rural viewers. And the way Gujarati literature highlights tradition, makes it more popular.”
Seconds producer Kinnari Mehta whose recently launched Ekk Nayi Pehchaan is based on Varsha Adalja’s play Sharda, “A Gujarati story appeals to everyone because the emotions are relatable. The story of a bahu educating the saas is unique in its emotional quotient.” Author Kajal Oza Vaidya feels TV adaptations are more to do with what sells best on TV. “Gujarati literature is no different from Marathi or Bengali literature. All that one has to sell on TV is storytelling,” she says. Producer JD Majethia says, “Gujarati literature has an Indian appeal because it also focuses on the heartland. But there are risks involved in TV adaptations and one needs to be sure how the story needs to be presented on screen. ”
Prime time TV seems to be warming up to Gujarati literature, for sure.