Zee Tv launches weekend fiction show - Neeli Chhatri Wale

With an aim to strengthen their weekend programming, Zee TV launches its next weekend fiction show about the relationship of a man with god titled – titled ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’. It’s the story of Bhagwan Das, the protagonist who has the privilege of meeting and befriending God.

Present at the launch Namit Sharma, Programming Head - Zee TV said, “After two successful fiction launches – Kumkum Bhagya and Jamai Raja this year, we now bring our viewers a weekend fiction property that delves into a subject so universal that it’s bound to appeal to viewers, cutting across all demographics. Neeli Chatri Waale is Zee TV’s initiative towards creating a differentiated weekend slot with original programming for the entire family.”

The show will be the first amongst several launches that will be a part of a special weekend ‘family unifier’ strategy.  Neeli Chhatri Wale explores what happens when its protagonist meets and befriends God – it captures his journey of tuning into his own inner voice through conversations with God. Instead of giving him answers or delivering miraculous solutions, God throws questions at him, making him introspect and view life like he’s never seen before. We hope to take our viewers on a fascinating journey of self-discovery with this show!

On asking about the kind of opportunities the channel is looking forward with the show, Sharma said, “I think with this show, opportunity is beyond the potential of the slot itself. I honestly feel that more than weekend slot this show represents the bigger thought and philosophy. It’s an entertaining story for the channel and fits well as the weekend property”.

Neeli Chhatri Wale follows the life of Bhagwan Das, the quintessential common man based out of Kanpur, constantly torn between his personal and professional life. Forever bullied either by his wife and father at home or his boss in the office, Bhagwan Das is always at the receiving end of flak. His kids are ashamed that he works as a salesman at ‘Titu Underwear and Baniyan’ and his wife constantly compares him to their neighbour who is better off in life. And then one day out of the blue, a handsome young man toting a blue umbrella emerges in front of him … a man only he can see … a man who embodies God! ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’ is a light-hearted, slice-of-life drama highlighting Bhagwan Das and his relationship with Shivaye – not as the hallowed, much revered divine avatar but as a smart, contemporary youth – conversing with whom puts Bhagwan Das in touch with his inner voice!
 
The show is produced by Ashwini Dhir, also know for this feature film directorial ventures of comedy films such as Son of Sardar, Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge and One Two Three. “The proposition of meeting God has always excited man. While most look at it as an opportunity for wish fulfilment, our show highlights how a relationship with God isn’t just about that … That God isn’t here to merely deliver miracles, but to question the way you think and get you to do some soul-searching. The conversations our protagonist has with this modern embodiment of God puts him in touch with his inner voice. We’ve got some interesting characters at the heart of our story … people that viewers can easily identify and relate with. Moreover, the tonality is light-hearted and entertaining. Let’s hope the audience appreciates our effort”, he said.

Pradeep Hejmadi, Business Head, Zee TV said, “We believe in offering engaging and entertaining content to our audience. So, as we have strong line up on weekdays, we want our viewers to enjoy weekends too. This show is mix of emotions and is been promoted aggressively using a media mix of print, radio and a comprehensive television plan, comprising a bouquet of channels spread across genres. A three phase digital campaign has been planned to engage with digital audiences. The first part of the digital campaign started with the introduction of #MyInnerVoice, sparking off conversations in the digital space about the moment when people felt most tuned into their inner voices.”

The entire promotional campaign for the show will aim at making God accessible to one and all by spreading the message of ‘Listen to your #InnerVoice.’

When asked about the competition the time-band brings in, Sharma said, “Everyone is putting programs in the prime time and so do we! Our philosophy with weekend programming is increasingly rolling out weekend product from a long term perspective and to define certain texture for our weekends and to give certain identity for the programming on Saturday and Sundaywhich is different from Monday-Friday programming.”

Yashpal Sharma will be seen playing Bhagwan Das in ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’, whereas Shivaye (God) is been played by Himanshu Soni, of Zee TV’s ‘Buddha’ fame. Gujarati theatre actor Disha Savla will play the role of Bobby, Bhagwan Das’s wife, and his Bauji played by veteran actor Mithilesh Chaturvedi and his corrupt brother-in-law Govardhan Das played by Anoop Sharma.

Starting 30th August, catch Bhagwan Das on a journey of listening to his inner voice through conversations with God every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM.