Moving away from the usual clutter of sans-babu, mythological, crime thriller and horror shows on TV, Sony Sab is streaming a refreshing serial Wagle Ki Duniya, Nayi Peedhi, Nayee Kissey. Zeroing on common folks, it is about their aspirations; limitations; happiness, sorrows and problems and how they overcome them. The well-crafted show stressing on Indian values and traditions, is worth family viewing and aired from Monday to Friday, 9 p.m.

The show leaps forward from the popular Wagle Ki Duniya serial, screened on Doordarshan, which was based on characters created by the well-known cartoonist R. K. Laxman and directed by Kundan Shah of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro fame. The 1988 show centred on Srinivas Wagle, a middle class family man (Aanjjan Srivastav) who with his wife Radhika (Bharati Achrekar) struggled with life’s daily and mundane problems. 

JD Majethia, the producer says the current show pays tribute to Laxman in his centennial birth year. “It is an honour to bring back one of his classic shows, this time with a fresh perspective. We felt that there a great potential in the concept; and hence decided to make this show.”

Producer J.D. Majethia

Reprising their roles in Season 2, the Srivastav and Achrekar team up with Rajesh (Sumeet Raghavan) as son; Vandana (Pariva Pranati) as daughter-in-law; and Sakhi (Chinmayee Salvi) and Atharva (Sheehan Kapahi) as grandchildren. “Retaining the old show’s legacy and its iconic characters, the story now moves ahead and is shown from Rajesh’s perspective,” observes Majethia.

Directed by Aatish Kapadia the show’s modern set-up and context highlights new issues and challenges. Rajesh and Vandana move the senior Wagles in their apartment building after Covid-19 to take care of them. Typically, the reluctant Srinivas has separation pangs. He can’t leave his old cupboard behind, and feels he’ll miss the neighbours and friends. Rajesh ensures the old stuff finds a place in the new house. The old TV supports the latest HD set! The cassette tape recorder is repaired for Srinivas to enjoy old Hindi songs! Going beyond tangible, Rajesh comforts Srinivas who is unable to sleep in new surroundings and invites Srinivas’s old friends over for a party.

In all his efforts, Rajesh is ably supported by his wife and children thereby highlighting the deeply embedded tradition of taking care of elders. “Mere riches or a great lifestyle don’t make a life complete. Minimum or adequate means coupled with a loving family and cordial relations with family members is what makes life blessed and joyful,” remarks Majetha. He adds “this is precisely what the show wants to drive home without losing the entertainment factor.”

Rajesh is not depicted as an infallible person. In one episode when Atharva keen to impress his folks jumps across the balcony in order allow the grandparents enter their locked house, Rajesh displaying his fatherly affection, blames his parents. On being chided by Vandana, he realises his mistake and profusely apologies.

All is well that ends well! A scene from the serial

The USP of software is its format wherein every episode brings in a new story. “That is what differentiates us from others. At the same time it is challenging too. We will bring in fresh dimension every time,” remarks Majethia. Thus the show also talks about empathy for domestic helps and respect for homemakers.

Subtle nuances of the show make it very relatable. For instance, when Rajesh decides to buy almonds, stumped by its prices, he opts for peanuts. Or when Vandana is highly impressed with a designer sari which is expensive, Rajesh makes efforts to get her one made by a local designer. It is intention that matters and not the price tag or fashion.

The humour quotient too is understated. Atharva eats ketchup since Rajesh tells him to eat fruits in any form while smartly pointing out that tomato is a fruit. He smartly distracts his mother to quietly pour the milk in a flower pot, egging the plant to grow healthy and fast! Srinivas and Radhika’s spicy and sweet exchanges, typical of old age, are also familiar and funny. Likewise, faced with more than choice, the confused Rajesh offers his fingers to Vandana to make a decision. May seem childlike but it works in real life!

Talking about casting, Majethia says, “The lead actors were obvious choice. Able to emote a gamut of emotions from humour to sorrow to joy they fitted well as a family.” Sharing that workshops were held for the actors, he adds, “it helped in etching out each character and its attributes while allowing imbibing freshness to the roles."