MUMBAI: India’s premier Hindi news channel Aaj Tak is all set to launch the second season of its successful show Vande Mataram which will be hosted by veteran Bollywood actor and parliamentarian Shatrugan Sinha. Eminent actor Om Puri will be seen lending his voice to the show.
Through the 12 episodes, the channel plans to enlighten viewers about untold tales of bravery and valour of India’s freedom fighters. For example, the channel says little do people know that Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh was an avid reader and by the young age of 24 years he had read all the books of over 34 eminent authors.
The saga will feature never seen before footage and stories of freedom fighters right like Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and many more. It will be telecast on the channel every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm and will commence from 23 August
Aaj Tak managing editor Supriya Prasad says, “The first season of Vande Mataram set benchmarks in news programming showing India’s wars after independence. Season two will feature stories of India's war for independence and each episode will cover the struggle and the story of a revolutionary.” Season one was anchored by Kabir Bedi in 2013.
Prasad praised Sinha’s oratory skills and exemplary command over Urdu Shayari and Hindi poetry. “His screen image of a patriotic star, his aggressive image and deep baritone voice added to his choice as preferred face for the show,” he adds.
Meanwhile speaking to indiantelevision.com, the actor says he wanted to do the show because he found it energetic, youthful and uncompromisingly patriotic. He also carefully explains his previous stints on the small screen. “I did the Shotgun Show. Then I also hosted the Bhojpuri version of KBC. But this show defines me and I feel it is absolutely necessary for every Indian to watch it, to know our history.”
The channel is going all out to promote the show extensively with a special emphasis on northern India.TV promos are being telecast on all the channels networks to woo audiences. Radio jingles are being aired across seven radio stations and ads have been placed in the newspaper Mail Today. Plans are afoot to place hoardings across Delhi in 30 to 40 major outdoor locations. Hoardings too will be put up in Mumbai the coming week. A source from the channel pegs the marketing cost to be between Rs 90 lakhs to Rs one crore.
Prasad also says that the shows on patriotism have helped the channel build a strong bond with the viewers and the first season of Vande Mataram won critical acclaim by winning awards in three categories for best show, best producer and best editing.
