Move over saas-bahu sagas, it's daddy time on Indian TV

It is said that television is a woman’s domain, with saas-bahu sagas ruling the silver screen for a long time. However, there seems to have been a ­gradual change, with shows beginning to focus on the relationship shared between a father and his children.

It is said that television is a woman’s domain, with

saas-bahu

sagas ruling the silver screen for a long time. However, there seems to have been a ­gradual change, with shows beginning to focus on the relationship shared between a father and his children.

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah says that this is the next phase on Indian TV, which is why his ongoing show focuses on the ­relationship. "The saas-bahu time is over. I feel that a father-son relationship is very important and has many dimensions to it. There are a number of ways this can be shown. I picked up three to four dimensions, as I feel that was all we could cover effectively," he says.

Playing a father can be pretty complex too, ­especially for actors who have not experienced ­parenthood in real life. But, actor Vishal Singh, who plays a young father in the show, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, looked for inspiration from his surroundings. "I have a younger brother, so I got my inspiration from there. He’s 13 years ­younger than me, and I am like a father to him," he says.

One might think that ­it is tough to pen down the diverse aspects of this ­relationship on paper. However, scriptwriter Ravindra Gautam disagrees. "It has ample colors and emotions — one moment he is a loving father, and the other moment, he can be a strict ­headmaster. So, I feel you always have loads of content to write about this topic," he says.

Pukaar — Call For The Hero
This action-drama series revolves around the ­journey of Major Rajveer (played by actor Rannvijay Singh) to win his father’s love, in the backdrop of his fight against the ­builders’ mafia that ­controls Mumbai. Actor Raj Babbar plays the dad here.

Yeh Hain Mohabbatein
The show’s story involves Raman Bhalla, essayed by actor Karan Patel, who is divorced and unwillingly opts for a ­second marriage just to win the custody of his ­daughter Ruhi. Raman also has a son, and their ­complicated ­relationship is an important part of the show.

Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar
Though the plot revolves around the rekindled relationship between a divorced ­couple, the complex relationship of a single father — Ronit Roy — with his children, is also prime in the storyline.

Bandhan
Set in Maharashtra, the show revolves around the bond that a forest ranger’s family shares with a baby ­elephant. Actor Aditya Redij played the role of the ranger and a doting dad, who shared a strong relationship with his daughter Darpan, essayed by actor Ananya Agarwal.

Everest
This Ashutosh Gowariker show revolves around the struggles of a girl, Anjali, essayed by actor Shamata Anchan, who decides to climb Mt Everest just to impress her father, played by actor Manish Chaudhari.