Filmmaker Ramanand Sagar gave the world the iconic Ramayana in 1987. Now, his grandson Shiv Sagar Kakabhushundi is carrying forward this legacy with Ramayana – Untold Stories. According to the producer, the Doordarshan show aims to combine high-tech VFX and music to create a culturally rich experience. In an interview with India Today Digital, Shiv Sagar shared what inspired him to create this new show and how his grandfather’s legacy continues to guide him.

Admitting that the idea of ​​revisiting Ramayana was intimidating, Shiva explained that although the popularity of the original show is unmatched, they wanted to present a fresh perspective for the new generation.

“It was scary, it’s almost like trying to recreate Sholay. But now, we have new technology and a new media landscape. We decided to make it for the new generation with new packaging. Of course, we The spirit is maintained and a lot of couplets, songs and quatrains are used, in fact not many people know Kakabhushundi, who is facilitator (Narrator) Of our story. He was a saint in the form of a crow and was Ram Lalla’s favorite while growing up in Ayodhya. And apart from the untold story of Kakabhushundi, the story of Ramayana will also go along. We have tried to tell a lot about Ravana and his family.”

The producer also discussed the challenges of working within budget constraints. He revealed that to reduce costs he decided to make the film in Baroda, where he has a studio. He said that fortunately, DD came and promised him the creative freedom needed to complete such a project. Shiv Sagar said, “The whole setup took our lives. The project is such that you need the biggest sets, costumes and production. It really took a lot of budget, but we have managed to pull it off. ” Best product. It’s a tribute to my grandfather’s legacy and so, we’re not really paying attention to the budget.”

Ramanand Sagar’s grandson revealed that he was never inclined towards cinema or media and initially pursued a career in hotel management while studying in Switzerland. He built and managed a hotel in Manali. However, his growing interest in spirituality and astrology eventually brought him to the sets of the show Shani, produced by the family’s production company.

“That was my first show as a creative producer. And although it wasn’t fun at first, now I enjoy it. Also, growing up, I never thought I would do this. I really love all the songs. And didn’t like dancing, and was inclined towards studies. Even my grandfather used to tell us that this job is not as fun as it sounds, he used to tell us to become doctors and engineers instead.”

Reminiscing about his childhood, Shiv Sagar remembers waking up early every Sunday morning and watching Ramayan on television. “They’ll tell us, ‘Ramayana is playing at home and you are sleeping. (How can you sleep when Ramayana is playing on TV). We will also visit the sets in Umargaon and play on the beaches. I also remember that many times they used us as junior artists because they did not have much budget. There was always a huge crowd of thousands of people outside the set, who traveled in buses and trains to watch the shooting and see Ram and Sita. They will actually be camping for several days. it was crazy. Only when we grew up did we realize how much of an impact the show had and it became an amazing phenomenon.”

Kakabhushundi Ramayana – Untold Stories airs from Monday to Friday at 7:30 pm on Doordarshan (DD1).