Colors to broach adoption issue in Balika Vadhu

Balika Vadhu, the long running show on Colors was initially launched to highlight issues related to child-marriage. As the show progressed, we saw other issues related to child-marriage being  dealt with along with  new casts and tangents  in the story. Now in a latest twist audiences will see Anandi taking a bold step by adopting a baby girl in the show.  The question now arises whether there was a need to introduce this angle to increase viewership or was it primarily to create an awareness amongst audiences with regard to adoption, a trend that is fast catching up  in  society.

Adgully spoke to Prashant Bhatt, Weekday Programming Head, Colors to understand the need of taking up this societal issue and how this step will help the channel in spreading awareness and creating a bond with their viewers.

Sharing his views on their longest running serial on the channel Bhatt said, "We realized that the show Balika Vadhu has been on air since the past five years, so we had the option of being in the comfort zone and not experimenting with new ideas. We decided to come out of that comfort zone and tackle some more serious societal issues which television as a medium has not yet touched upon  and adoption was one of them."

Colors as a channel tried its best and succeeded too in creating awareness regarding child marriages with show Balika Vadhu. So when asked how in his view the upcoming episodes will share a positive message with audiences that, today adopting a child is not an issue but on the contrary a step in the right direction to provide a good future for an orphaned child he explained,  “We've received feedback in the past requesting us to highlight issues such as the dowry system, black magic etc. In Balika Vadhu we have taken these issues seriously, and they were noticed and accepted well. Now, Anandi adopting a child is a positive message in society because usually we have seen couples who are unable to conceive adopting kids but here in this case Anandi and Shiv both are a healthy couple and able to start a family . Inspite of this both wish to adopt a child, give it love, a second chance in life, and provide a better future and that is what we are trying to incorporate in the show."

Anandi is now firm on her decision of adopting a child. This is sure to create an impact on the show's viewers, but how will her family react to this decision? Shedding light on this Bhatt said, "Among her family members there are some who are applauding her for the stance she has taken while a few are opposing her. Initially this will definitely raise viewer’s eyeballs but once she explains her genuine reason for adopting the child it will definitely send a positive message across to audiences."
By highlighting these kind of societal issues, the channel's idea is not just to create a better connect with the audience but the first call would be to create awareness about the issues related to adoption itself.

"With time the channel will also try to touch upon and incorporate other such issues prevalent in the society  in the show," concluded Bhatt.

In tonight's episode we will see Shiv along with his family visiting the hospital where he was born. Sarla, the old nurse at the hospital tells Ira that she had delivered a still born child. Ira is stunned but recollects herself and insists that she had given birth to a healthy baby. Anandi too is puzzled to hear about Sarla’s stunning revelation. To know the truth behind Shiv’s parentage, do not miss  this episode of “Balika Vadhu” that will be aired tonight  at 8.00 pm, only on Colors!