'Balika Vadhu' becomes longest running daily drama on Indian television

Taking an 11-year leap, the show weaves a new tale of destinies caught in the web of child marriage. The new chapter was unveiled on March 4

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | March 5, 2015

Color's flagship show, 'Balika Vadhu', takes an 11-year leap, setting the stage for a new era led by Anandi's daughter, Nimboli, whose lost childhood is shrouded by the travails of being a child bride. Nimboli's journey on 'Balika Vadhu' started on March 4, 2015. The show's timing continues to be 8 pm, Monday to Saturday.

'Balika Vadhu' has also become the longest running daily drama series on Indian television with maximum number of episodes.

Raj Nayak

Commenting on the new age dawning in the show, Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors, said, “The success of 'Balika Vadhu' is synonymous with our success as an entertainment channel, because it has become a key identifier for our offerings to viewers. Over the years, 'Balika Vadhu' has become a global phenomenon through characters which resonate with viewers across the world. As we now enter a new phase on the show, with the promise to showcase newer entertainment avenues, we are proud to celebrate the milestone of being the longest running fiction drama on Indian television. This landmark achievement could not have been possible without our viewers' unending love and relentless support and the hard work of our creative team and our producers.”

As the story moves forward by 11 years, 'Balika Vadhu' will now highlight the life of Anandi's daughter Nandini, who, unknown to her mother, has been subjected to a thali wedding when kidnapped as an infant. A single mother and widow, Anandi's heart cries out for her missing daughter. But, she eventually finds solace in becoming a social activist after establishing a gurukul for women who have been wronged in life. Even as Anandi's yearning for her daughter continues to grow over the years as she prays for her daughter's welfare, Nandini is rechristened as Nimboli by her tough-to-please in-laws, who consider her to be as bitter as the fruit of a neem tree. Nimboli has one dream – to be free and enjoy her life, but her dreams are quashed by her insensitive in-laws and husband.

Commenting on the new era, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head, Colors, said, “After entertaining viewers through a record-breaking no of episodes, 'Balika Vadhu' is now ready for a brand new chapter to unfurl in the lives of Anandi and her children. The unpredictable journey peppered by sharp twists in Anandi's journey has enabled us to deliver meaningful content to our viewers every single day. Over the past seven years, we have not only showcased the story of a child bride, but also touched upon various issues such as adult education, widow remarriage, adoption and many more, which have established Anandi as the face of change. And now, as Nimboli's life as the new 'Balika Vadhu' is about to begin, the story comes a full circle with child marriage being at the helm of a new journey on the show.”

Speaking about the leap, producer Sunjoy Waddhwa from Sphere Origins said, “When we launched 'Balika Vadhu', little did we know that the show will become the phenomenon that changed the face of Indian television to what it is today. It is extremely satisfying for us to see the show's popularity continue soar as 'Balika Vadhu' becomes the longest running drama on television. 'Balika Vadhu' has been a beacon of change in the society and we hope that the fresh perspective through the eyes of Nimboli will continue to find mass appeal amongst viewers across the country.”

Colors has roped in 11-year old Baroda resident, Gracy Goswami to portray the character of young Nimboli, whose life and dreams have been compromised since she was an infant.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com

Info@BestMediaInfo.com