At a time when grandiose sets and extensive CG on par with films are only restricted to mythological, historical and folklores of mega soaps like the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha and Nagina, the trend seems to be catching up with daily soaps in Tamil which are usually family dramas and tearjerkers.
Radhikaa’s recent mega serial Chandrakumari has opulent sets. Now actress-turned-politician Khushbhu is making a comeback of sorts in a full-fledged role on a TV soap titled Lakshmi Stores. A mammoth set resembling a market and big textile store at a cost of Rs 2 crore has been put up at Paramount Studios in the city for the social drama where a major chunk of shoot will take pale. Besides, more than 5,000 silk sarees have been bought to arrange inside the stores. Khushbu, who also bankrolls the series, spoke to DC on why she is back on television, how every woman will connect with her Maha character and why such big sets are needed among others.
“I am back in a lead role of a mega venture after a gap of five years. I loved the script when director Jawahar, (a former associate of Sundar C) narrated the subject. I play Mahalakshmi, a matured character, who wants to hold the family together. It is not a tearjerker, but every homemaker will see me in her. It is such a beautiful role and in a way reflects my own self in real life.”
On the grandeur sets of Lakshmi Stores, the story of which revolves around a textile showroom, she says, “We have already set a benchmark with our earlier serial Nandhini, where we erected an expensive and huge palace set. So, we don’t want to cut cost and give the audiences an all-new feel and fresh experiences. Even the house, shown as the bungalow where Maha’s family lives, has been given a huge fillip by spending a big amount. “
On her co-star actor Suresh she says, “You know how it is after a certain age. We share a matured chemistry between us.” The actress/producer also asserts that by providing quality content, she expects her soap to hit at least 1,000 episodes.
Others in the mega soap include Nakshathira who also plays one of the leads, actor Suresh, Jennifer and Sudha Chandran as antagonist.
