Jab Ek Ladki Padhti Hai toh Duniya badalti hai –

Jab Ek Ladki Padhti Hai toh Duniya badalti hai –
Premiering 19th December 2011, Mon – Fri at 7 pm

Wednesday, 14th December 2011, Bhopal: After a long hiatus, Shahbaz Khan, one of the most sought after actors of the 90’s is back on the small screen with a power packed role. A role that would challenge his acting abilities and bring out another persona that he’s never explored before. The veteran actor will essay the character of Tuntun Singh, a fearless Bhagalpur Don in Zee TV’s prime time show ‘ Afsar Bitiya’ launching on 19 December. The role of his son Pintoo Singh will be essayed by a man who has wowed the audiences with his killer good looks and charming acting skills – Kinshuk Mahajan. The father – son onscreen duo are in Bhopal today to promote ‘Afsar Bitiya’ which is premiering on Zee TV on 19th Dec, Monday – Friday at 7pm.

The core storyline of Afsar Bitiya essentially talks about benefits of education and how it can change one’s life for better. Educating girls is one of the strongest ways not only to improve gender equality but to promote economic growth and the healthy development of families, communities and nations. Zee TV, India’s leading Hindi General Entertainment Channel, is all set to bring to its viewers a new series whose universal appeal and topicality will prove to be a ray of hope and inspiration to many. Titled ‘Afsar Bitiya’ and set in Bhagalpur (Bihar), it will throw light on the importance of female education and issues surrounding their education. It talks about a young girl, Krishna’s resilience, aspirations, dreams and motivation to work harder and make a mark in society despite all adversities. The story traces the journey of this girl whose life centers around getting a good education to improve her family’s life.

In his new avatar on television in Afsar Bitiya, Shahbaz Khan will be seen playing the role of Tuntun Singh. Said Shahbaz , “I kept away from television for some time, just waiting for the right character and story. When Rakesh Paswan, the writer/ producer of the show narrated the story to me, I knew I had to be a part of this show. I want my audience to see this character who is like none other currently on TV. I really feel proud to be a part of such a progressive show which emphasizes on women empowerment and education. Today’s women are confident and career oriented. TV serials in which the protagonist takes charge of her own life are a hit with modern viewers. I’m really hoping that every home has more than one Krishna and those that don’t, get inspired to have the girls in their home to be like Krishna!”

Incidentally, Shahbaz was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. His father, Padma Bhushan awardee Ustad Ameer Khan, is considered one of the most influential figures in Hindustani classical music and the founder of Indore Gharana. I love Indore as it’s my Janmabhoomi. Every year, I go for the concert held in memory for my father by the Madhya Pradesh government. Next year is the first 1st centenary year of my father and we have planned plenty concerts. I always look forward to re-visiting my roots every year. I have very fond memories of living in Madhya Pradesh!”

Kinshuk is also very excited to play Pintoo Singh. He says, “Playing a son to veteran actor Shahbaz Khan is itself an honor. I have so much to learn from him as he is so fluent in languages and adds his own touch to the role. I’m playing the son of an influential businessman. Being the youngest sibling, I’m pampered a lot and hence I do not believe in getting employed as it entails taking orders from someone else. But that does not mean that I’m a bad person. I urge everyone to watch the show and see how education can turn one’s life for the better.”

From a lower middle class family where no one had ever got a better job than a clerk, Krishna, the lead protagonist rises against all odds and becomes a B.D.O. (Block Development Officer) through her sheer hard work and dedication towards studies. Her life and her family’s life change forever after she becomes an ‘Afsar Bitiya’. The show then traces the journey of this honest and determined girl from an extremely moderate background who deals with ever changing family situations after she becomes successful in her career. Apart from Shahbaz Khan and Kinshuk Mahajan, the show boasts of an enviable cast comprising of veteran actor Virendra Saxena and very popular and versatile actors like Indira Krishnan, Yash Sinha, Shivshakti Sachdev and many more. The title role of Krishna will be essayed by newcomer, Mitali Nag.

Profiles:

Pintoo Singh (Kinshuk Mahajan)
Pintoo Singh is the quintessential village goon who is the youngest child in the family and has been pampered all his life making him a brat. He does not believe in getting himself employed where he has to take orders from someone else. Hence, Pintoo prefers to work under the shadow of his father. He has imbibed characteristics unique to both his father and mother. He confronts every situation with his confident street smart attitude like his father, Tuntun Singh but at the same time has a pure and tender heart like his mother, Ganga. Though he comes across as rough and brash, deep down he is a good human being. Pintoo’s ‘dadagiri’ methods are tested when he has a tiff with B.D.O. Krishna initially but ends up falling in love with her.

Tuntun Singh (Shahbaz Khan)
Tuntun Singh is a parallel government in himself as he keeps Bhagalpur under his thumb. His word is the law and no one dares oppose the fearless Don. He is a contractor by profession and enjoys an unchallenged monopoly in his profession. Tuntun Singh is a tall, handsome man who even at his age has maintained a good physique. He comes across as a dominating and harsh person but in contrast his words are woven in the form of lyrical verses. Tuntun secretly harbors a dream of becoming an M.L.A. one day.


Tune into Afsar Bitiya, premiering on Monday, 19th December 2011 and will air every Mon– Fri at 7 pm, only on Zee