Back in 1980s, Basu Chaterjee created a strong woman character, which not only ruled the public conscience but also became their voice.
Today, one of Indian television’s most powerful and iconic reel women, Rajni, lives again in a new form and avatar.
Karan Razdan, writer of the OG and writer- director of its 2.0 version, shares what made him revisit the memorable show. Even after four decades, Rajni refused to die in his memory, and its poor imitations over the years compelled him to recreate her in Rajni 2.0 through the character of her daughter, Guddu, which Anupam Kher dubbed as ‘masterstroke.’ The series is now airing on Doordarshan and its streaming platform Waves.
Razdan shares, “Back in 1985, Rajni had a free ride, for Doordarshan was the only channel. Today, there is a surfeit of platforms, hence the competition is stiff and it’s a challenge to make your voice reach out amidst the noise.”
Add to it the fact that crime rules the roost and thrillers are go-to choice of most film-makers. So, what made him opt for a series with a huge social conscience? Well, Razdan does not go into preaching mode. He avers, “As makers, our first job is to entertain, may be inform and educate too.”
Interestingly, making of the series has been a learning experience for him too and while he understood many finer points of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, legal terms like ‘natural witness’ came as a revelation. His lead heroine, enthusiastic and feisty Aradhana Sharma too has learnt a thing or two about RERA – Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act – and India’s landmark POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act.
“Rajni is an emotion and a huge responsibility. To carry forward the legacy is not easy but I am truly enjoying the weight of the character etched in public memory by the irrepressible Priya Tendulkar,” Aradhana says.
Aradhana relates to the indefatigable spirit of Rajni 2.0 and she is emerging stronger with each episode. As a woman she wants the show to deal with issues like marriage.
“Marriage is often perceived as the be-all and end-all of a woman’s life. I want this notion to be challenged. Parents should not pressurise their daughters to tie the nuptial knot, just for the heck of it,” she says.
Interestingly, Razdan has touched upon the same concern in the episodes on the dowry menace. Acutely aware as to how issues have changed in the last four decades, the writer in him is exploring current ones like digital fraud, VIP racism, chit-fund scam, property-related problems, et al.
He feels comparisons with the Basu Chatterjee’s original are not fair. He says, “It’s easier to call out government bodies today. Back then, we were told to pack up after 48 episodes.” So, what number is he aiming at today? He replies, “I can go on and on, as long as burning issues present themselves.”
Here’s a piece of advice from this ‘voracious writer’ to voracious viewers of today – “You will find the show very relatable since it deals with issues which concern a common man.” His advice to women, his core audience is – “Be the change you want to see.” For Aradhana, “Silence is not golden and one must raise one’s voice especially against oppression.”