It is a force which is seldom remembered except during external threats in the form of war or terrorist attacks, and internal dangers like natural calamities or grave law and order situations. Yes, it is the Indian Army, rated among the best in the world. Its existence, responsibilities and obligations taken for granted by the majority, it figures on the conscious map of the nation when Army Day (January 15) or Republic Day is celebrated.
In this scenario the effort on the part of producers S. Vijay Gopal and Achint Kumar Ganguli, through their serial Paltan being aired on Doordarshan’s National (DD-N) channel, is laudable. Directed by Gurbir Singh Grewal (also the story and screenplay writer), it highlights the lives, dreams, aspirations, emotions and challenges of the army men. The cast includes Murli Sharma, Aakrety Agarwal, Amit Behl and Parikshet Sahni among others.
The producers, who come from a documentary background, conceived the idea a decade ago. “Having made 70 to 80 documentaries, including one on Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Achint and I were keen on producing a serial on the Indian army though many termed it as a dry subject. Based on intensive researching and discussions with many senior army personnel we developed a pilot,” says Gopal. Eager to launch it through a big platform they approached private channels who refused as they considered the subject not interesting. “We took it to DD-N, considering its reach and commitment as a public broadcaster, who accepted it.”
Based on this pilot and producers’ inputs, Grewal, the well known film and televisions series ( Neem Ka Ped ) director, developed the story with the small screen in view. The student of Air Force School who was keen to join the Indian Army and had made several films on the armed forces while working in the Films Division, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, accepted the assignment of developing the story, episode synopsis and screenplay. “Though I have incorporated some real-life incidents, the story is based on my observations of jawans, JCOs and senior officers, their inter-relationships, how they view the society and civilians and how civilians perceive them in turn. At the same time I have taken cinematic liberty to keep the entertainment aspect of the serial intact,” he says, adding, “They are portrayed hardworking but jovial too. They have a sense of humour which is bound within limits by discipline.”
Gopal describes the show as a “tribute to the Indian Army stationed on the borders 24x7 to ensure peace” and says the objective is to bring “their emotional side to the fore.” Grewal, dismayed at the fact that the citizens, specially the youth, cannot recall the names of five Param Vir Chakra winners, feels, “We need the people, the future generation in particular, to know about our security forces as they are our real heroes.”
Besides glorifying the profession of a soldier, Paltan will also underline the opportunity the Army offers for engineers, doctors, paramedical professionals, computer engineers and specialists, among others.
“We want to inspire and motivate the impressionable youth to join the armed forces not only for the facilities they offer but for the respect it generates for self and from others,” points out Gopal.
“We want the people to realise that somebody is guarding them and the frontiers to ensure their safety and security and that somebody too has a family from whom he is far removed,” emphasises the director. Pointing out the attitude of many citizens who say, “Forget the army. What is there in it?” he comments, “People from all walks of life should remember that it is because of the safe and stable environment provided by the forces that there is economic activity and investment.” The episodes also take up the issues of war widows, and the condition of ex-servicemen among others.
On the “authenticity aspect and proper treatment of the subject as per the Army’s point of view,” Gopal says, “We have hired the services of ex-servicemen to teach the cast about ranks, salutes and parade. The army scenes are watched and okayed by a retired captain and soldier from the infantry. Our endeavour has attracted several former armed personnel to voluntarily contribute their inputs.”
Grewal, known for depicting realism, says, “We have been careful while showing the Army by ensuring correct technical aspects. Not only uniform, badges and other gear but also their behaviour should look genuine, like courtesy shown by force members to ladies, the bonding between senior and junior officers, etc. Small nuances — like it is customary for a JCO to be addressed as ‘saab’ even by the senior most officers — have been shown.” Even hairstyles, he adds, are “as per Army standards.”
Interestingly, the producers are essaying the role of majors in the series. “We always wanted to wear Army uniforms and act like them and though we have never acted earlier, we could not miss the chance to do so in our dream project,” clarifies Gopal.
( Paltan is aired on Doordarshan National channel Monday to Thursday, 10.30 p.m. onwards)
