"Krishndasi", show based on devadasis, launched

A new television show "Krishndasi", based on the untold story of the devadasi community, was launched here with a grand dance performance by its lead star cast.

"Krishndasi", which features actresses Sana Amin Sheikh, Indira Krishnan and Chhavi Mittal in the key roles were seen performing on the title track of the show on Tuesday.

Indira and Chhavi dazzled the stage in a traditional Maharashtran attire known as 'Nauvari' or the nine yard sari. Sana, who was last seen in the TV show "Tere Shehar Mein", also shared the stage with the two actresses in a pink kurta and jeans.

Talking about the show, Sana told IANS: "It's a different and an untouched concept that has never been attempted on Hindi television industry."

"Krishndasi" is the Hindi remake of the Tamil show with the same name and is based on a book written by Indra Soundarajan.

Asked if a remake would work on the small screen, producer Vipul Shah of Optimystix Entertainment, said: "I believe content is universal always."

Indira, who will be seen playing the role of a grandmother to Sana's character, says she has great hopes from the show and has got in a lot of "glamour after a long time".

"I have great hopes because I have put in my 100 percent. This show is very different because I have an aura (in this show) ... I have got in a lot of glamour after a long time," said Indira, who played superstar Salman Khan's sister-in-law in the 2003 film "Tere Naam".

Starting from January 25, the Colors show will be replacing the controversial "Bigg Boss Nau" and will be aired for Monday to Friday for an hour.

Kutty Padmini, who has produced the Tamil version of the show, is also the creative producer of the Hindi remake.

How this idea of producing a show on Devadasi community came up?

"We were shooting in a house which happened to be a house of a devdasi. Until then I didn't know that devadasi (community) still existed... But then I got to know they are also called 'akhand sobhagyavati'. They are married to Krishna and then they use to marry a king. Their children were illegitimate.

"So this really interested me...I researched. Then I came to know that there is a book available. Then I bought the book and read and then immediately I bought the rights," Padmini said.

The show also features actors Uday Tikekar,Jiten Lalwani, Shweta Mahadik and Shravan Reddy in pivotal roles.

Set against the backdrop of present day Pune, "Krishndasi" will showcase the story of three generations whose heritage holds secrets that shape their contrasting personalities.