Uncommon Promise

The iconic Common Man is now on the idiot box with SAB TVs R K Laxman Ki Duniya.

For decades,TV actor Atul Parchure religiously began his day by leafing through the pages of a news daily to read veteran cartoonist R K Laxmans popular cartoon,The Common Man. He sought comfort in the caricature of the balding Everyman with a wisp of white hair,countless problems and a constant smile of acceptance on his face. He represented the Indian masses. After all these years,Parchure has been offered the opportunity to play the Common Man on SAB TVs R K Laxman Ki Duniya,which will go on air at the end of this month. The show has been produced by J D Majethia and directed by Dharmesh Mehta of Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma fame.

Set in the suburbs of Mumbai,the show addresses the issues of middle-class Indians through the lives of Bhavesh Vasavada and his family,which includes his wife Baku,a retired father and two daughters. Problems like the rising fuel prices,flawed education system and corruption affect our daily lives. R K Laxman ki Duniya is about how a middle-class family faces up to them, says Majethia. The common man still suffers,except that now instead of a dhoti,he wears pants and a shirt. He worries about high mobile phone bills, adds Majethia.

The shows conception,however,was incidental. One fine day,a few months ago,Mehta woke up with the thought that he wanted to make a show based on the common man. Laxmans famous cartoon character was a ready inspiration. He approached the cartoonists family and purchased the official rights for a televised adaptation of the cartoon strip.

Story continues below this ad

Mehtas show,however,will see two generations of the common man. The character Bhavesh Vasavada will represent the current generation whereas Ghirwale,75,who plays his father,will belong to the older generation and also physically resemble Laxmans cartoon character.

The show,expected to connect across masses,has bagged the 9.30 pm slot despite the possibility of heavy competition. Luckily,Kaun Banega Crorepati is getting over this week, laughs Parchure. Vandana Pathak,popular for her role in the TV show Khichdi,plays Baku,Bhaveshs naïve,innocent,supportive and unintentionally humourous wife. Her excitement to be a part of the show,stems from the fact that her son will get

acquainted with the legendary character. The next generation knows nothing about Laxman. The Common Man has been an integral part of our lives and the show opens that window for the younger generation,which missed out on the character.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
R K Laxman

Uncommon Promise

The iconic Common Man is now on the idiot box with SAB TVs R K Laxman Ki Duniya.

The iconic Common Man is now on the idiot box with SAB TVs R K Laxman Ki Duniya.