Bitten by Ichadhari Naaginn

Myths, fantasies and the supernatural have always found favour with Indian TV audiences. Veteran actress and producer Aroona Irani is reaping its rewards with the phenomenal opening to her show Naaginn-Waadon Ki Agni Parikshaa on Zee TV. Naagin is just 8 episodes old but it's rated the 18th best show in the latest TRP charts (C&S, HSM 4+). Naaginn notched up a TRP rating of 4.92 on October 12. Surprisingly, an old, tried and tested formula has appealed to current viewers. So, what is it about this show that has worked its charm on viewers? Producer-actor Aroona Irani says, "We have got a good response. Though, I had a gut feeling that this show would do well, never did I imagine it would become the second best rated show for Zee." Apparently, Aroona was of the view that a recent news report, covered mainly by the electronic media, on Ichadhari snakes also helped in garnering popularity for the show. Sayantani Ghosh, who plays Naaginn, had this to say, "I've been taken aback by the opening response. That this subject (Ichadhari Naag) is new to television must have appealed to audiences. Honestly, I just had two things in my mind for the show. Either it will be a success or a complete failure. Fortunately, it's the former." She adds further, "I just went to Kolkata last week and was astonished by the reaction of the people out there to this show. Wherever I went, people were addressing me as Naaginn." With a good opening, it does put pressure on the producer and the actors to retain eyeballs. Says Sayantani, "There's no pressure but it does become an added responsibly for all of us. Thus far, we've done a good job but it will be a challenge to maintain its quality." Aroon Irani quips, "The viewers have shown a liking for such a serial as they are tired of the usual saas-bahu sagas. Our show offers them something different. I'm putting all my energies into this show and will continue to do so."