Mumbai: Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says his actress daughter Alia has liked the idea of his upcoming television show “Naamkarann”, which centres around social identity of a girl.
Bhatt is set to start his television innings with the fiction show, which he has created.
It explores the journey of a 10-year-old girl, named Avni, a curious but perceptive girl who will raise pertinent questions, which challenges societal norms.
“I asked Alia how would she react to a small girl who comes up to her and asks why is her identity attached to her father in today’s times. To which, Alia raised her eyebrows and she said it is fascinating. She liked it. We are happy about it,” Bhatt told PTI.
According to the director, “Namkarann” compels one to reflect upon a social truth that identity of a girl is always linked to that of a man, first her father and then her husband.
“My romance with television is age old. This is my first major plunge in television and I am pleased it is happening with Star Plus as their penetration is phenomenal. The show will be through the eyes of 10 year-old-girl who asks an elemental question about her why identity. Why can’t she be herself without attaching a surname.”
The National Award-winner feels even though women have built inroads across all walks of life, their identity is still linked to someone else.
“She (show’s protagonist) asks repeatedly why don’t we practice what we preach. It’s a saga with multiple characters and conflicts that happen in our homes. ‘Naamkarann’ has been an exhilarating experience,” he said.
There were reports that the show is partially inspired by Bhatt’s own film “Zakhm” which had Ajay Devgn and Pooja Bhatt in the lead.
When asked about it, he says, “It is incorrect to say ‘Naamkarann’ is autobiographical. Like all writers who take inspiration from their own lives, the show uses my own personal narrative but it tells a much larger story.”
“This country is too large and complex to be able to express things through one life. Some of the characters are taken from someone’s life.”
The show features Arsheen Naamdar as Avni, a discovery of Bhatt. Actress Barkha Bisht returns to TV in a role of a mother. It will go on air on Star Plus next month.
PTI