The new channel on air &TV’s serial “Gangaa” was launched this month. The series stands out among the channel’s many productions for the remarkable acting by a child actor and bringing to fore the attitude of the society in general towards women.
The story revolves around a fiery young girl, Gangaa (essayed by Ruhana Khanna), with an amazing zest for life who hails from an extremely poor background, overcomes many obstacles in the quest of survival after becoming a child widow. The cast includes, among others, Hiten Tejwani and veteran actor Sushmita Mukherji (known for playing an assistant to Pankaj Kapoor, Doordarshan’s “Karamchand” serial in the 1980s). The roles played by the duo in “Gangaa” are pivotal to the show.
“We want to highlight the status of women and how despite education and economic development the thought process and mindset of many people have not changed. The show in particular focuses on the hypocrisy and double standards prevailing in the society through the plight of the child widow,” explains Waseem Sabir, the series director while acknowledging that child marriage is now confined to only some remote areas of the country. Besides, the qualities and value system ingrained in Gangaa by her father too keep manifesting in her life’s journey. “Through her, it is implied that initial upbringing plays a vital role in one’s life.”
The director makes no bones about the fact that the show’s main objective is entertainment. But how does he achieve it considering the topic and its treatment? “The incidents, events and situations interspersed in the story ensure that the audience remains glued to it. Each episode is surfeit with inputs to keep the curiosity of the viewers about what happens next to the girl intact.”
Ruhana’s innocent demeanour coupled with excellent emoting stands out in the episodes aired so far. In fact, her scenes with veteran actors do prove her calibre. “She is a wonderful student and our bonding and rapport is excellent. I refer to her as my adopted child. She is god’s gift to this serial.”
Considering her age, how does he manage to draw the best in a plethora of intense and emotional sequences in the programme? “In my personal life, I am very close to children and am accustomed to playing and dealing with my nephews and nieces. I explain Ruhana the shot patiently and conjure up situations that create a mental image for her. This facilitates and leads her to a stage when she is ready to deliver what is required. Though shooting the scenes takes time but it is worth it.”
Lack of empathy in the society towards a child widow, especially among many women, is a prominent feature of “Gangaa”. Sushmita’s complex and textured character of Kanta Dadi, a widow who too has suffered, is juxtaposed against Gangaa to make this statement. Despite her past, Kanta, clinging to age-old rituals and beliefs, believes that the child too must also undergo similar trials and tribulations of life. “The intention was to present that such is the indoctrination that we are only bothered about our surroundings and and concerned about what the society thinks, irrespective of right or wrong. Gangaa questions them, acting like a mirror and forcing them to alter their thought process.”
Majority of the cast is experienced and Waseem says that he has tried to make the performance realistic. He compliments them for cooperating in achieving this. “I have tried to elicit a different style for them without compromising on the natural acting,” he comments.
The show is based on Rajita Sharma’s story who has written its script too. A chunk of the shoots so far have taken place in Varanasi, lending the series a touch of authenticity.
(“Gangaa” is telecast on &TV, Monday to Friday, 8.30 p.m.)
