A love that shook the very foundation of the Mughal empire, a timeless romance of a young crown prince and a beautiful courtesan – COLORS gears up to revive the greatest love story there ever has been: DASTAAN -E-MOHABBAT | SALIM ANARKALI.
Presented by Dabur Red Paste and powered by MDH Deggi Mirch, Dastaan-E-Mohabbat: Salim Anarkali tells the tale of charming Mughal Prince Salim (Shaheer Sheikh) and the mesmerizing rakassa Anarkali (played by Sonarika Bhadoria) who challenged the norm and chose to fight for their love. This magnum opus boasts of an ensemble cast with veteran actor Shahbaz Khan essaying the role of Akhbar, Gurdeep Kohli Punjj plays Jodha and Aruna Irani as Hamida Begum. Much loved television faces like Piyush Sahdev, Tasneem Sheikh and Parvati Sehgal will also be part of this rebellious love drama. Produced by Writers' Galaxy, the show will premiere on 1st October 2018 and air every Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm on COLORS.
Speaking about this development, Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment said, “Set against the historical backdrop, the show recounts the epic love story of Prince Salim who is in love with a kaneez, Anarkali. The society’s disdain for this forbidden love coupled with his father Akbar’s animosity makes Salim not only a rebel but also ready to relinquish the throne – thereby making this tragic tale a compelling story. We have roped in some fine actors like Shaheer Shaik, Sonarika Bhadoria, Gurdeep Kohli Punjj and Aruna Irani amongst others to play these larger than life characters. This unique narrative on COLORS is sure to grip the viewers as it is a portrayal of an era that we have grown up both watching and reading about. It’s time to retell this evergreen love saga for this generation.”
Mr. Anirudh Pathak, Producer and Creator of Dastaan-e- Mohabbat: Salim Anarkali, Writers Galaxy, further added saying, “The show brings in the dynamism of the Mughal Era and will depict the courtship of Salim and Anarkali. With advanced technology and great creativity, we are looking forward to give our audience a brilliant cinematic experience. Keeping in mind the grandeur of the show – we have the best team on board to help reflect this version of history that has greatly been written about.”
Shaheer Sheikh who plays Salim said, “Salim is a dream role for any actor. I think the most difficult part will be to portray the layers and the pain of the character. He is an extremely complex person so it won't be that simple’ however – that’s what I like about this role. The makers have got the look and the sets right and hopefully we can all do justice to the characters. Being a TV actor, our options are very limited and I feel very lucky to get this opportunity to play the iconic character of Salim.”
Sonarika Bhadoria who plays Anarkali, said, “The show will be a rendition of the immortal saga of Prince Salim and courtesan Anarkali. It will convey the message of love which takes precedence over rules and societal norms. There is a lot of mystique when it comes to depicting a strong character like Anarkali. I’ve been taking Kathak lessons to get the nuances of the character.”
The channel has planned an integrated 360-degree campaign that will witness an extensive play out of larger than life promos both across the network and on other broadcast channels. Across HSMs, the magnum opus will be brought alive through billboards whilst the daastan of love will be heard on radio as well. For print, there will be tune in ads on the day of launch. Furthermore, an Imaarat – e – Ish which is a beautiful monument has been constructed in Delhi that doesn’t just tell the tale of love but listens too. Through this activation, we hope to find India’s Biggest Daastan-E-Mohabbat. Taking over the Mumbai Metro Stations, key locations will be branded and will witness the era come alive with an Anarkali Dance Flash Mob/ Mughal Arch Gates & branding. Tapping an unconventional medium of Traditional Clothing Boutiques, COLORS has also branded boutiques with the show creatives in Delhi.
On the digital front, the channel has planned a high buzz activity on social media platforms like Facebook & Zapr, a 360-degree tour to bring audiences the spectacular sets, a dedicated Salim Anarkali photo gallery and a motion graphic post.
The eternal profession of love and passion between Salim and Anarkali has been immortalized in history and is now being brought to life with a tightly woven narrative.
Watch this epic saga starting October 1st, every Monday to Friday at 8.30pm only on COLORS.
About COLORS
‘COLORS’ is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space in India. A combination of ‘emotions’ and ‘variety’, COLORS, launched on 21st July 2008, offers an entire spectrum of emotions to its viewers. From Fiction Shows to Format shows to Reality shows to Blockbuster Movies – the basket contains all ‘Jazbaat Ke Rang’.‘COLORS’ is dedicated to promoting ‘Cohesive viewing’, through programmes like Savitri Devi College and Hospital, Devanshi, Sasural Simar Ka, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, Udann, Ek Shringar…Swabhimaan, Karmphal Data Shani, Kasam…Tere Pyaar Ki, Dil Se Dil Tak, Laado…Veerpur Ki Mardani, Naagin, India Banega Manch, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Bigg Boss, Dev, Chandrakanta, Mahakaali: Anth Hi Aarambh Hai, Tu Aashiqui and Ishq Mein Marjawan amongst others.
