Download Report

Press Release
Aakash Aath Introduces For The First Time In The History Of Bengali Television
A Mega Serial On Shirdi Sai Baba
- ‘Om Sai Ram’ To Go On Air From Thursday, 13th November, 2014Kolkata, 6th November, 2014: Aakash Aath, one of the most popular Bengali general
entertainment channel, today announced the launch ‘Om Sai Ram’, the first ever Bengali mega
serial on the Saint.
“Sai Baba of Shirdi holds a unique place in the rich tradition of saints in India. Baba, an
embodiment of self-realization and perfection, did not come solely to preach but to awaken
mankind through his messages of love and righteousness. We thought that it was the right time to
introduce a mega serial on ShirdiSai Baba to not only enchant his numerous devotees but also to
make the new generation aware about him, his principles, his vision and his virtue”, said Ms Eshita
Surana, Director, Aakash Aath.
Renowned actor, Bhashwar Chatterjee will be essaying the role of ShirdiSai Baba. Meanwhile
Debanjan Chatterjee will enact the role of the younger Sai Baba. The other ket members of the
cast include Rumki Chatterjee, Budhhadeb Bhattacharya & Falguni Sanyal amongst others.
Susanta Bose is directing this mega serial while Debjit Roy is the music composer.
Leading film actor, Abhishek Chatterjee, a ShirdiSai Baba devotee, graced the occasion.
The early life of Sai Baba is still cloaked in mystery as there isn't any reliable record of the Baba's
birth and parentage. It is believed that Baba was born somewhere between 1838 and 1842 AD in a
place called Pathri in Marathwada in Central India. Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi as a nameless entity
at a young age tempered by the discipline of penance and austerity. At Shirdi, Baba stayed on the
outskirts of the village in Babul forest and used to mediate under a Neem tree for long hours. Some
villagers revered the saintly figure and gave him the food for sustenance. After wandering in the
thorny woods for a long time, Baba moved to a dilapidated mosque, which he referred to as
"Dwarkarmai".
Sai Baba would go out for alms every morning and shared what he got with his devotees who sought
his help. The abode of Sai Baba, Dwarkamai, was open to all, irrespective of religion, caste and
creed. Sai Baba was at ease with both Hindu and Muslim scriptures. He used to sing the songs of
Kabir and dance with „fakirs‟. Baba was the lord of the common man and through his simple life, he
worked for the spiritual metamorphosis and liberation of human beings. He preached righteousness
living in simple terms.
Initially, Baba dissuaded people to worship him, but gradually Baba‟s divine energy touched the
chord of common people far and wide. The congregational worship of Sai Baba began in 1909, and
by 1910 the number of devotees grew manifold. The „shejarati‟ (night worship) of Sai Baba began
in February, 1910 and the following year the construction of Dikshitwada temple was completed.
Sai Baba attained „Mahasamadhi‟ on October 15, 1918. The millions of devotees who keep his
image in their homes, and the thousands who throng to Shridi every year, is a testimony to the
greatness and continuing popularity of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
‘Om Sai Ram’ will be telecast from Monday – Saturday, starting 13thNovember, 2014 at 6.30
pm.
About Aakash Aath
The popular Bengali channel Akash Bangla, which was known for its news and entertainment
portfolio, has been relaunched as Aakash Aath from 14 thOctober, 2013. Positioned as a General
Entertainment Channel (GEC), Aakash Aath presents a wide variety of program including news
bulletins (Aakash Barta), catering to audiences across age group. The programs on air are Janani
(fiction), Good Morning Aakash (Live musical programme with guest artistes), FM On TV (Music
program), Radhuni (Cookery show), Shahityer Shera Somoy (Screen adaptations of literary classics),
Police Filez (Crime show based on real life incidents), Hing Ting Chhot (Children‟s program), The
Legends (Music Show) &GhhenteGha (Comedy show). Aakash Aath also airs blockbuster movies and
telefilms. The channel promises to launch an array of interesting shows & serials in the coming
days.
For further information please contact:
Sreeraj Mitra / Chilka Roy
Sagittarius Communications
Ph: 9007307884 / 8697719309