Slice of life

Source: The Hindu, Arts» Radio & TV

Published: 30^th September, 2012, Sunday 16:05 IST

 

Tehreem Hashmi

 

 

The HinduBlinkers off: Suhaib Ilyasi has a new TV series on modern Muslim society. Photo: R.V. Moorthy  - The Hindu

 "Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan", a series on a Muslim woman's struggle for justice, strikes a chord

It is not often these days that viewers get a slice of Urdu-speaking people's life on television. With most of the serials on satellite channels focussing either on music and dance reality shows or middle class families from Gujarat, the space to show Urdu-speaking people has been chopped significantly. Now, however, a new effort has been made with Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan on Doordarshan. The show, garnering good ratings for some time, is now telecast twice a week— Saturday and Sunday evening.

Recently, Suhaib Ilyasi and Tripurari Sharan, Director General of Doordarshan addressed the media about the serial. "It is the only programme in Urdu language" said Suhaib. Talking about the show, he revealed that "it is a complete mixture of drama, action, romance and suspense. It is the only programme showcasing Muslim culture and values."

Suhaib who hit the headlines with India's Most Wanted, is happy to be back in a prime time slot with Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan. "I am presenting another wonderful TV show with a refreshing format. It is not a crime serial but a love story of a progressive Muslim girl." The story revolves around a modern Muslim family. The protagonist is Safia Mirza, an intelligent 22-year-old who derives her strength from the Holy Quran. She stands for her rights whenever she faces injustice from society. "The show is all about empowerment of women in Muslim society," he added.

Talking about the aim of such a show, Suhaib said, "With my show I want to remove misconceptions regarding Islam in the minds of people. It is a common thinking that women don't have rights in Muslim families, they don't get proper education et cetera. But in the light of Hadith and Quran, I want to say that women in Islam have equal rights as men to get educated and to gain knowledge."

He claimed, "The show is very well accepted by the audience. We are getting a huge response on social networking sites."

Asked about choosing Doordarshan for telecasting the show, he said, "It is the only channel which is being seen in every house. Some 24 per cent viewers are poor, they don't have cable network, and they can only see DD. I could not have found a better platform to telecast such a show."

(Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan is shown every Saturday and Sunday at 8.30 pm on DD National)

Link: http://www.thehindu.com/arts/radio-and-tv/slice-of-life/article3948863.ece