It was a matter of pride when this year’s guest at Republic Day Parade President Barack Obama witnessed the first ever women’s contingent drawn from the three services, marching down the Rajpath, even though their limited number in the forces is a matter of concern. “Ek Lakshya” (EL), Doordarshan’s afternoon serial, raises this issue with the aim to inspire women to join army while also creating an awareness.
The show idea germinated when its producer Karan Anand, a theatre actor in 2012 read that the percentage of women in army was 0.5 per cent only. “I was stunned. On discussing this with my family, friends and others, I became aware that they were ignorant about recruitment of women in Indian Army.” This led to the show concept to highlight employment opportunities available for women in the army which financial rewarding, professionally satisfying and prestigious. He discussed it with Sanjali Shirodkar who wrote the story.
Karan emphasises that all the aspects of the Army in EL have been authentically depicted. To drive home the point, he says no objection has been raised against the 85 episodes aired so far. “Our creative panel includes Colonel (retd.) Noel Goodwin who provides inputs about the army including the uniform, ranks, epaulettes, insignia, badges, shoes, etc. for both men and women uniformed personnel.” To give a touch of reality jargons used during training and the pranks played by the cadets too have been included. “These small nuances make the show very real,” he explains. Army scenes were shot at Nasik Military School (NMS) and there the girls from the institution were included to give a semblance of originality to the serial.
The story is centred on three girls hailing from different family backgrounds. One belongs to an orthodox family while another is poor and the third’s father is shown as a colonel. Varied backdrop was used to drive home the point that irrespective of difficult and different circumstances girls can make it to army. “The choice of the actors Geetanjali Mishra, Vandana Singh and Priyanka Joshi for the three protagonists was based on role requirement,” comments Karan.
The girls attended a 15-day session at the NMS to be trained in firing, riding, army drills and other aspects. To ensure their physical fitness they were told three months prior to shooting to exercise regularly. “We wanted them completely ready,” says Karan.
The response received by EL especially from semi-urban and rural areas has been encouraging and Karan feels that if the show is able to motivate a few girls and encourage parents to allow girls to join army his mission is achieved. He feels that the example of women armed force personnel will definitely boost the confidence level of the gender, thus making a vast difference in betterment of the society.
(Aired on DD National, Monday to Friday, 2.30 p.m.)
