I have high expectations from Ashoka- Raj Nayak

As the leading GEC, Colors, has various shows lined up for its launch, but the recent one to go on floor is the much touted historical show Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat. Its second historical show on the channel and Ashoka, with its launch is picking up its pace.

We speak to the CEO Raj Nayak, to know about his strategies, idea of bringing this historical show and more...

After Veer Shivaji, what made you to bring another historical show on Colors again?

Veer Shivaji was a very successful show and we pulled it off when its ratings were 2.4 which is a not bad rating but that it was seems to be low rating as other shows were doing good.

Earlier, even the national channel Doordarshan and today leading GECs, which showcased historical and mythological shows, they have always fared well. We were waiting and longing to do such a show but were not getting proper subject and concept.

So when Abhimanyu (Abhimanyu Shingh) came up with the idea of Ashoka, I thought it's very interesting and no one has presented this concept till now, only a movie was made on the subject.

I feel this is the story of Ashoka is known by everyone right from children to adults, then no doubt that it will be a success for which we tried to bring in the right cast, right production house and all the right ingredients.

We have got the bunch of good writers and we have done all necessary things, now we have left it for the audience to decide.

While there are  many historical shows currently on air, so do you think Ashoka will be able to make its space?

Yes, there have been many shows but when a show is launched, suddenly there is a buzz created and so people begin to notice everything else. Its like if you buy a new car, you tend to check features of other cars in the market too. Similarly, if someone likes watching historical shows and already following one of such, its very likely that a new show of the same genre will grab their attention too.

Why is this show given an hour's time slot?

It's not necessary that show cannot be given an hour's time slot. The slot was vacant after Bigg Boss got over and we had this show ready. Thus, instead of focusing on two shows, we decided to focus on one show.

It's not easy, it's a challenge to pull a show for one hour. So we are giving it a try though logically it's very difficult. But story like this, you can't get in and get out in 20 minutes for the viewers to understand. Like in first episode if you say, its been a challenge to set the context with so many character. 

Setting the content in the first episode itself is a challenge, second episode is where you will get to know the characters and from third onwards viewers will get the grip of the show as they will be aware about the characters. I have high expectations from Ashoka.

What are the other projects in the pipeline?

We are coming up with Khatron Ke Khiladi from February 7, we just launched Code Red and then we will be coming up with the new season of India's Got Talent. There is a fiction show lined up which will soon be launch. There will be a new show after every 60 days on the channel, this year for sure.

Neha Jain