Ajeeb Daastan Hai Ye is a compelling story: Life OK's Thakur

As the year enters the last leg, Hindi general entertainment channels seem to present the best they have. Understandably, the content would be a mix of fiction and non-fiction properties. Taking note of this, Life OK is set to present another fiction from its kitty. After receiving appreciation for Laut Aao Trisha, the channel will present Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh in the coming month. Channel custodian promise on delivering a healthy mix of fiction and non-fiction and are thus betting big on shows like Dare 2 Dance, Laut Aao Trisha and now Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh.

“We will complete our three years in this December and we wanted to offer some biggest thing that we’ve not done so far. We’ve already started off this festive season by announcing Dare 2 Dance and in coming three months we’ll be announcing six new shows”, informed Ajit Thakur, EVP & GM, Life OK.

Adding further he said, “Sonali Bendre is doing her TV debut with this show and it’s also a first big show by Ekta on Life OK. It’s a story that every Indian family should watch, we at Life OK have offered bold and innovative content to our viewers. With the launch of Ajeeb Daastaan Hain Ye, we intend to raise the bar even higher. This show will be one of our biggest launches since it brings together three powerful forces, Ekta, Sonali and the story of an extremely strong female protagonist”.

We learn that the story is about Shobha, who was happy and content in her own little world until she was left devastated after her politician husband Samarth (Harsh Chhaya) was put behind the bars for breach of information. Overnight, she was left holding the reigns of her family in the aftermath of her husband’s conducts. While trying to collect all pieces and settle, Shobha ends up meeting Vikram (Apurva Agnihotri), a coffee shop owner who hires her as his assistant. Apart from dealing with difficulties of life at home, she also faces her galling boss at work.

Speaking about her new project, Ekta Kapoor said, “Relatable characters and diverse concepts are two key ingredients of all my shows. Ajeeb Daataan Hain Ye captures the story of Shobha who becomes a ‘hero’ for her family after she surmounts harsh realities of life. I am looking forward to my association with Life OK to bring forth this grand venture through an interesting storyline. The story is bold and controversial but not about extra marital affair”.

We also learn that earlier the show was titled as Bade Dhoke Hain Iss Pyaar Mein; which was later changed to Ajeeb Daastaan Hain Ye. Sharing the reason behind the re-christening, Thakur said, “Ekta thought that story is not about love but the story is about marriage and betrayal and the title goes well with this show”.

Ajeeb Daastaan Hain Ye marks the debut of Sonali Bendre in fiction television series. The show will be aired from 7th October onwards, Monday to Friday, 9.30 pm, moving Tumhari Pakhi to 8:30 pm slot.

Speaking about competition and marketing plans, Thakur explained that, “Competition is always there, but we are targeting a very different audience. We are not only targeting premium but also mass audience and focuses on every Indian married couple. The show is based in Mumbai but appeal to every Indian family. As part of marketing initiatives it will be bigger than what channel had done for Laut Aao Trisha. The channel will be doing a lot of mall activities, outdoor, television, mobile and digital. Also, with all that the show will be released with the film Bang Bang’s print.” Venus and India Gate Basmati Rice are on board as presenting sponsor and co-powered by sponsors respectively for the show, while the channel has also got their powered by sponsor which is yet to be known.

An elated Sonali Bendre, whose debut is the talk of the town said, “Initially I was a little sceptical about taking up a fiction show until Ekta narrated Shobha’s character to me and I agreed instantly. The strength of the character and how she faces her life head on is what appealed to me .The fact that instead of being treated like a doormat she picks up her life and decides to have a fresh start is what resonated with me. I hope the audience accepts me in the new role and supports me in this endeavour.”

“Our expectation with this show is that it will be big and noticeable show and will raise the debates. At Life OK we’ve worked on social topics, we are confident the viewers will enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed making it. The show is definitely something you should watch for its extremely well defined characters and a compelling story. It's a journey of a woman from being a content homemaker to displaying the courage to step out and gain financial independence in order to secure the lives of her loved ones, her children.” Said Thakur.

The show will highlight the tryst of a woman who is estranged by her husband and is made to break out of her inhibitions in quest of finding happiness for her loved ones.  Ajeeb Daastaan Hain Ye also touches upon the secluded issue of infidelity.