A Family United by Blood, Divided by Prejudice Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the present and renders the future inaccessible. But, what if a prejudice is so strong that it damages a family beyond repair; so harsh that it makes parents discriminate between its own blood relations; so forbidden that it changes the fate of two young children? COLORS brings to viewers a tale of conscious prejudice meted out by a family against its own kin with Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii. Putting blood relations in a quandary, Shakti portrays the strength and power of a family to dictate the destiny of its children – Soumya (Mahira Khurrana) and Surbhi (Tasheen Shah). Produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Ltd, Shakti is set to unravel the truth behind their family’s behaviour towards them, starting 30th May 2016, every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on COLORS.

 

Commenting on the show, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – COLORS said, “Prejudice comes in many forms; the differential treatment is based on a variety of factors including race, sex, and age among other reasons. However, the one kind that, though widely prevalent, goes unnoticed is that which a family doles out against its own kin. With Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, we aim to show how conscious prejudice and the pursuit of perfection has the power to decay an entire family. With this show, we are fortifying our relationship with Rashmi Sharma Telefilms; their penchant for gripping narratives and compelling storytelling has made them a favorite among audiences.”

 

Talking about the time slot, she further added, “Shakti will launch in the 8:00 PM primetime slot where it takes the baton from our longest running fiction drama Balika Vadhu, giving audiences a new story to support and follow. Balika Vadhu, in turn, will move to the 6:30 PM timeslot where Dr. Nandini, Dr. Amit and Krish's endearing tale will continue to enthral viewers. Ishq Ka Rang Safed will move up to the 6:00 PM slot.”

 

Set against the backdrop of culturally rich and vibrant Punjab, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii talks about parents who discriminate between their two daughters. The elder one, Soumya doesn’t understand why her father Maninder (Ayub Khan) and Dadi (Mamta Luthra) treat her differently. On the other hand, the younger one, Surbhi’s struggles to understand her mother Nimmi’s (Reena Kapoor) indifference towards her. Having been deprived of an education, and with no friends, toys or companions, Soumya finds solace in her mother’s arms. But the story is different for Surbhi. Smothered in her father and Dadi’s love, Surbhi goes to school, plays with her friends, and gets everything she wants except for her mother’s affection. The want for a socially ‘perfect’ life sees Maninder and Dadi go to any lengths to maintain a false prestige, even at the cost of alienating their own. But the mystery remains…what truth has the ability to tear apart a family from its very roots?

 

Speaking about his character Maninder (Father), actor Ayub Khan said, “I have had the opportunity to play diverse roles on television, but the story of Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii is by far most unique and progressive. Societal discrimination is something we are all acquainted with, but Shakti presents a completely different facet of this word. It talks about the prejudice within a family, a place where you least expect it to occur. I am playing the role of an orthodox man, a father who consciously discriminates between his own bloods in the name of prestige.”

 

Adding further, actor Reena Kapoor aka Nimmi (Mother) said, “Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii will take viewers through the intricacies of relationships and dynamics shared by a family. Nimmi is like any other mother; she is overprotective towards her kids and willing to go to any extent for them. But even after being selfless and dedicated, she is misjudged by her husband and mother-in-law. The two children who portray Soumya and Surbhi are incredible actors – they’re strong and adorable, making working with them a complete joy!”

 

Speaking about the show further, producer Rashmi Sharma from Rashmi Sharma Telefilms said, “For Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, we were very clear about one thing – we wanted to utilize the rich Punjabi culture and hence have shot extensive in the fields and various picturesque locations of Punjab. The show’s story goes beyond stereotypical social dramas and makes it more personal with the spotlight being on two children and their family. As the story unfolds, their journey together and their advent into adulthood will reveal plotlines along the show’s theme ‘Ek Sach Jo Hai Kalpana Se Pare’.”

 

Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii brings together a stellar cast of well-established actors whose strong portrayal of characters makes the show a convincing proposition for viewers.

 

Two adorable children; One dysfunctional family…the drama begins

On Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii from 30th May 2016, every Monday to Friday at 8 PM on COLORS