Tonight, Om Puri will return to the small screen. And this time the show’s sutradhar (narrator) will also be seen on-screen. The veteran has agreed to be a part of weekday crime series Savdhan India’s second season on Life OK, which flags off tonight.
The actor admits that before
the crime-based series was offered to him, a couple of production houses had asked him to judge reality shows, including a stand-up comedy competition. “I may play funny characters in movies, but judging shows isn’t something that arouses my interest. So I declined the projects,” says Puri, adding, “I’m not hooked on to TV. I only watch news and shows on Discovery, History and Nat Geo. Daily soaps and sob stories don’t interest me.”
Savdhan India is similar to a popular crime-based show, Crime Patrol on Sony, which, in its fourth edition, has become one of the most-watched shows on TV. Both shows highlight true stories and air at 11 pm. While Savdhan India airs on weekdays, Crime Patrol airs only on weekends.
So, is he worried about comparisons with Crime Patrol and its host Anup Soni? “I’ve heard of the show, but never seen it. I gauge that it is effective.
Their production team too doesn’t glorify violence. In that manner, the shows are alike,” points out Puri, adding, “As for comparisons between Anup and me, I’m only doing the opening episode and will be the sutradhar for the show. I will also host some special episodes. Whereas Anup is always present on his show.”
The veteran actor was last seen on TV six months ago as a sutradhar in Chhal Sheh Aur Maat on Colors.