Zee TV launches light hearted, slice of life drama...Neeli Chhatri Wale

We have all wondered at one point or another what would happen if we meet God on earth? What if He has no miracles in store for you? What if He has more questions that make you introspect and listen to your own inner voice … How will your life change? These are just some of the questions faced by Bhagwan Das, the protagonist of Zee TV’s next weekend fiction show ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale who has the privilege of meeting and befriending God. Produced by Ashwini Dhir, the director of successful comedy films such as Son of Sardar & Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge, Neeli Chhatri Wale follows the life of Bhagwan Das, the quintessential common man based out of Kanpur, constantly torn between his personal and professional life. Forever bullied either by his wife and father at home or his boss in the office, Bhagwan Das is always at the receiving end of flak. His kids are ashamed that he works as a salesman at ‘Titu Underwear and Baniyan’ and his wife constantly compares him to their neighbor who is better off in life. And then one day out of the blue, a handsome young man toting a blue umbrella emerges in front of him … a man only he can see … a man who embodies God! ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’ is a light-hearted, slice-of-life drama highlighting Bhagwan Das and his relationship with Shivaye – not as the hallowed, much revered divine avatar but as a smart, contemporary youth – conversing with whom puts Bhagwan Das in touch with his inner voice! Noted for his critically acclaimed performances and serious roles across Hindi mainstream films, Yashpal Sharma will be seen playing Bhagwan Das in ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’. This will be a complete departure from his usual, dark brooding image and he will be seen as the much harried and hassled Bhagwan Das. Playing Shivaye is the strikingly handsome Himanshu Soni, noted for his impressive portrayal of the title role in Zee TV’s historical show ‘Buddha’. A friend philosopher and guide to Bhagwan Das, Himanshu will be seen essaying God like He’s never been presented before. Adding some spice and drama to Bhagwan Das’s life will be his nagging wife Bobby played by the famous Gujarati theatre actor Disha Savla, his Bauji played by veteran actor Mithilesh Chaturvedi and his corrupt brother-in-law Govardhan Das played by Anoop Sharma. Namit Sharma, Programming Head - Zee TV says, “After two successful fiction launches – Kumkum Bhagya and Jamai Raja this year, we now bring our viewers a weekend fiction property that delves into a subject so universal that it’s bound to appeal to viewers, cutting across all demographics. Neeli Chatri Waale is Zee TV’s initiative towards creating a differentiated weekend slot with original programming for the entire family. The show will be the first amongst several launches that will be a part of a special weekend ‘family unifier’ strategy. Neeli Chhatri wale explores what happens when its protagonist meets and befriends God – it captures his journey of tuning into his own inner voice through conversations with God. Instead of giving him answers or delivering miraculous solutions, God throws questions at him, making him introspect and view life like he’s never seen before. We hope to take our viewers on a fascinating journey of self-discovery with this show!” Producer Ashwini Dhir said, “The proposition of meeting God has always excited man. While most look at it as an opportunity for wish fulfillment, our show highlights how a relationship with God isn’t just about that … That God isn’t here to merely deliver miracles, but to question the way you think and get you to do some soul-searching. The conversations our protagonist has with this modern embodiment of God puts him in touch with his inner voice. We’ve got some interesting characters at the heart of our story … people that viewers can easily identify and relate with. Moreover, the tonality is light-hearted and entertaining.” Neeli Chhatri Wale is being aggressively promoted by Zee TV using a media mix of print, radio and a comprehensive television plan, comprising a bouquet of channels spread across genres. A three phase digital campaign has been planned to engage with digital audiences. The first part of the digital campaign started with the introduction of #MyInnerVoice, sparking off conversations in the digital space about the moment when people felt most tuned into their inner voices. The entire promotional campaign for the show will aim at making God accessible to one and all by spreading the message of ‘Listen to your #InnerVoice.’ Starting 30 August, catch Bhagwan Das on a journey of listening to his inner voice through conversations with God every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM, only on Zee TV.