Mumbai: A new television serial on Jesus in Hindi is set to begin next month on &TV.
The story for the serial entitled “Yeshu” that deals with Jesus’ life story, is done by Utkarsh Naithani, an actor, flute player, and writer based on Divine Word missionary Father John Paul Herman’s research.
“First of all, let me tell you that I the research scholar and resource person for this serial in Hindi “Yeshu”, Father Herman, a media professional, told Matters India.
He has been working on it since March 4 as the producer and director called him to Mumbai for the first meeting.
“Lockdown was a great opportunity for me to sit down and work on it. Since then I am on it all the time,” said Father Herman, director of media commission, Catholic Diocese of Jaipur, Rajasthan (Western India).
&TV presents for the first time in Hindi General Entertainment Channels, the untold, unheard story of “Yeshu”, produced by Arvind Babbal Productions Pvt Ltd.
“Yeshu” is a story of an exceptionally benevolent child who only wants to do good and spread happiness all around him. His love and compassion is for all in stark contrast to the dark, evil forces prevalent during his birth and childhood. Witnessing the various atrocities on his family and in society has a deep impact on him.
His attempt to help others and ease their pain often leads to situations where he inevitably ends up being hurt and condemned by not just the oppressors but also the people at large. But even that does not stop Yeshu from continuing on his path. It is not only the most iconic story of good versus evil, but it also captures the beautiful relationship between Yeshu and his support and guide – his mother.
Initially, as many as 90 episodes are planned with a plan to extend depending on viewership.
The running time for each episode is 22-25 minutes. The first episode is longer.
“The shooting is going on in Mumbai and I am with the team,” Father Herman.
The tentative date to begin telecasting is December 15. The next promo will come soon with details. Showtime will be in the evening from every Monday to Friday.
The serial, which is a work of &TV production, is made keeping in mind the Indian viewers. The promotional trailer can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtuPU_RuLWA
“So far hardly anything is being produced for the Hindi-speaking people, who consist of the majority of the Indian population. It is a great challenge and opportunity to tell the people who Jesus is. Many people will be informed by the serial,” said Father Herman.
He is trying his best that things go well with viewers.
“We are taking some creative liberty to enhance the characters and the story in line with Christian faith. I am thankful for &TV team and the producer Arvind Babbal that they consult me and get my approval almost in everything,” said the priest.
&TV is a popular Hindi channel which produces great mythological shows besides that comedy and entertainment shows.
This has been Father Herman’s dream that something of this kind should come a mega serial. In the past, I have been associated with Divine Word Father George Proksch, a German missionary who made a significant contribution to music, dance and Hindi writings in India. Father Proksch’s dance drama had influenced Father Herman from childhood.
“Later, I was motivated to do doctoral research (Ph.D) on Father Proksch’s book “Khristayaan” which he wrote from the Indian perspective,” Father Herman recalled.
The priest did a doctorate degree in Hindi literature from Devi Ahilya University, formerly Indore University.
In due course of time, Father Herman associated with Divine Word Father Francis Barboza, the Bharatnatyam dancer.
For him [Father Barboza], I had written a ballet called “Preetinriteshar”. And later, I myself produced a 100-dance drama “Antardvad” with 500 artists on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the archdiocese of Delhi in 2019.
“I thank God for such a responsible task the Lord has entrusted me. I take this task as part of my mission,” said Father Herman.