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True Review - Television This Week:  A Talking Car And Friendly Ghosts

True Review - Television This Week: A Talking Car And Friendly Ghosts

by Piroj Wadia October 31 2015, 9:27 pm Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins, 45 secs

I don?t think Maruti Suzuki could have come up with a better marketing strategy than having a sitcom driven round Alto, their No. 1 small car. Chalti Ka Naam Gadi ? Let?s Go! has the said Alto playing a character ? a car that speaks. The Ahujas are a middle class Delhi family, and like every middle class family, they dream of owning a four wheeler, so the Ahujas? are no different! On their father?s 50th birthday, they surprise him with their first ever car -- a ?Maruti Alto 800?. A first time ever concept on Indian television, this narrative is unique as it traces the relationship that an individual - Karan Ahuja played by Romit Raj shares with his vehicle. Karan cannot believe that the car actually talks. In the car showroom where he works, Karan speaks to each car, sometimes drawing unwanted attention of his quirky boss, played by Amit Behl. When Papa Ahuja played by Anang Desai wakes on his birthday everyone pretends it?s just another day. He is upset that no one remembers his birthday. As he starts his two-wheeler, his neighbor remarks: ?It?s been with you for 25 years!? In the evening, he returns home, with an armload of bouquets which he has bought as even at the office no one wished him. The house is in darkness. Suddenly, the lights come one and family and friends are there in full force. But the real surprise which awaits him is the red Alto, which the entire family has pitched in for. However, the car has a special affection for Karan. She tells Karan to take his wife out on a special date and gives him the idea for a romantic dinner for two out in the middle of nowhere. The car also urges Karan to observe Karva Chauth. Indian TV viewers, especially children and grandparents could well like this sitcom, after all children love cars, especially magical ones. Its late evening slot makes it just right for this segment. The late 1960s, Disney came out with Herbie, The Love Bug the first of the series which revolved round a Volkswagen Beetle. The franchise was undoubtedly a huge hit. Toy manufacturers made miniature replicas of Herbie with each new series. SAB TV and the producers of Chalti ka Naam Gaadi have a possibility on their hands to capitalize on this unique narrative. I think that car needs a name first. Life OK?s Zindagi Baaki Hain Mere Ghost is a wonderful Horror Comedy. When a homeless Yug Bastora seeks shelter from the vagaries of nature in the haunted Palekar House he hasn?t a clue about what?s in store for him. With no one around, he settles, making himself quite at home. The resident ghosts try their level best to make it tough for him. Set in Goa, Yug?s heart is set upon Sophia, who he once even brings home to ?his family? who do their best to get the young lovers together, with ghostly nudges. Sophia?s father Peter D?costa (Tikku Talsania) has something to do with the original inmates of Palekar House. The bunch of do-good ghosts feature Smita Bansal, Anita Kanwal among others. Both shows share the same time slot, so it?s a shame to have to watch them in turns.




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