, who is known for creating opulent dramas like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas", and "Black", brings the same grandness to TV with "Saraswatichandra", his first production for the small screen.
Replete with opulence and grandeur, the show's promos boast Bhansali's signature style.
With huge sets, being shot in different locations, and graphics, "Saraswatichandra" will provide a much needed break to the viewers who seem to be bored of seeing kitchen politics-based shows over and over again.
Soon to be aired on Star Plus, "Saraswatichandra" is based on Govardhanram Madhavaram Tripathi's popular Gujarati novel of the same name.
In 1968 director Govind Saraiya adapted the book on the big screen with Nutan and Manish in the lead roles. The film had many hit songs including "Chandan sa badan" and "Phool tumhe bheja hai khat mein".
Set in a middle-class Gujarati family, the show is about clash of ideologies. Gautam Rode">Gautam Rode plays Saraswatichandra, while actress Jennifer Winget will be seen in the female lead role of Kumud.
Monica Bedi's role has shades of grey.
Acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali will sizzle television screens with a classic love story based on the iconic Gujarati novel Saraswtichandrathat debuts on Star Plus this February. Bhansali adds a Midas touch toSaraswatichandra and Kumud's love story with his signature style, replete with opulence and grandeur.
The ace filmmaker, credited for creating memorable characters in his epic love stories, will replicate his magic through a modern day portrayal of Saraswatichandra and Kumud. The show will feature television heartthrob Gautam Rode as the multi-layered Saraswatichandra whileJennifer Singh Grover adorns the role of Kumud with her charismatic screen presence. ActorsMonica Bedi and Chetan Pandit will also play pivotal parts in the show. While Sanjay Leela Bhansali is also the creative director, Arvind Babbal will be the series director for the show.
Star Plus' viewers can expect to see a passionate and emotional love story wrapped in stylized production details, elaborate sets, charming colours, butter-soft cinematography and well-directed story-telling.
"With Saraswatichandra we are celebrating Romance on the channel, packaged in a never-seen-before format that matches the splendour and glory of cinema. We are delighted to work with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali who has created cinematic masterpieces. Sarwastichandra promises to mesmerise audiences with its intensely passionate love story set against a backdrop of breath taking sets." said Nachiket Pantvaidya, General Manager, STAR Plus.
Saraswatichandra will set a new benchmark for Indian television with its majestic set featuring a lavish haveli, pristine lakes and sprawling gardens. The show has also been extensively shot at architectural marvels of Dubai and will feature some of the city's renowned landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa. Apart from its grand sets and bustling cities, Saraswatichandra will rely on latest technology to build a visual extravaganza for its viewers.
Actress Rani Mukerji, who unveiled the poster ofSanjay Leela Bhansali's TV show "Saraswatichandra", is confident that the filmmaker's debut TV show will be as spectacular as all his big screen projects.
The actress worked with Bhansali in "Black".
"I will always be there for him. He is my good friend and favourite director. This is his debut on television and I wish him good luck," Rani told reporters at the show's launch Thursday.
"I want everyone to watch this show. I am sure that like his films 'Devdas', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Black' and others, even this show will be spectacular," she added.
The show, set to go on air on Star Plus starting Feb 25, is based on Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi's Gujarati novel of the same name.
"This show means a lot to me as we have worked hard on the show. I am happy Rani came for unveiling the poster of my show. She gave a superb performance in 'Black' and she is the best actor I have worked with," said Bhansali.
About his foray into the small screen world, he said: "Television is not easy at all. Actors and directors have their own different demands. Small screen is becoming bigger than big screen. We have made this show for the current audiences. We have made some changes so that the people accept it."
His show features Gautam Rode and Jennifer Singh Grover in key roles.
It is being shown that Saraswatichandra (Gautam Rode) is not ready get marry to Kumud Sundari (Jennifer Winget) in the showSaraswatichandra on Star Plus.
On the other hand, Kumud is enjoying the moment of thinking about Saraswatichandra.
It will now be shown that Saraswatichandra will send a letter to Kumud.
Kumud will feel bad after knowing about his rejection for marriage.
Apart from this, Saraswtichandra's father Lakshmi Nandan (Chetan Pundit) and Kumud's father Vaidya Chatur will arrange a video chat for Saraswati Chandra and Kumud.
Kumud who is very upset by letter will refuse to show her face to Saraswatichandra during the conference.
After talking to Kumud, Saraswatichandra will develop some soft corner for Kumud.