Wagle Ki Duniya: Navigating the Relatable Realm of Middle-Class India

In an industry where content often caters to the glitz and glamour of the elite, one television show has emerged as a refreshing respite, capturing the everyday lives and challenges of the average Indian family. Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey, the sequel to the iconic Wagle Ki Duniya, has become a beacon of relatable storytelling, seamlessly blending entertainment with social relevance. Showrunner JD Majethia shares his insights on the show's success, the process of making it resonate with audiences, and the evolving landscape of Indian television.

Bridging Generations, Fostering Family Bonds

Connecting the Dots of Everyday Life

Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey is a testament to the power of storytelling that resonates with the masses. Premiering in 2021 on Sony SAB, the show is a continuation of the beloved Wagle Ki Duniya, which originally aired on Doordarshan. Inspired by the iconic characters created by renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman, the series shines a spotlight on the everyday challenges and triumphs of the average middle-class Indian. With a talented ensemble cast, including Sumeet Raghavan, Pariva Pranati, Anjan Srivastav, Bharati Achrekar, Sheehan Kapahi, and Chinmayee Salvi, the show has captivated audiences by reflecting the relatable experiences of their own lives.

Fostering Family Connections

For showrunner JD Majethia, the driving force behind Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey is the desire to create a show that brings families together. In a world increasingly dominated by individual digital consumption, Majethia recognized the need for content that encourages shared experiences and intergenerational conversations. "The intention behind the show was to tell stories of a common man," he explains. "These days we see people glued to their smartphones with the content. We wanted to create something which makes families together, where they sit together and have conversations. They learn while getting entertained."

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Indian Television

The television landscape in India has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from its initial focus on infotainment to the dominance of the saas-bahu genre. However, Majethia believes that the medium still holds immense potential for educational and socially relevant content, seamlessly blended with entertainment. "Look at TV, there is saas-bahu everywhere. What was missing was content for families. And that is what the show intends to fill. Where the people can go and watch with the whole family," he shares, emphasizing the show's ability to traverse the realms of school, college, office, and home, making it relatable for audiences of all ages.

Embracing the Roots of Television

Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey represents a conscious effort to reclaim the essence of television as a medium for infotainment. Majethia acknowledges that the industry has shifted towards entertainment-driven content, often at the expense of educational and socially relevant narratives. "TV was actually created for infotainment. We turned it into entertainment. However, we got a chance to go back to the roots of TV through the show and we grabbed the chance," he says, expressing the team's commitment to reviving the medium's original purpose.

Exploring New Frontiers in Storytelling

As the show continues to captivate audiences, Majethia and his team are exploring new avenues to enhance the viewing experience. With the introduction of longer episodes, they are experimenting with a "new grammar of storytelling," incorporating a wider range of issues, character reinventions, and innovative dialogue writing. "There will be new issues, a variety of stories along with fun. There is reinvention of characters, with new dialogue writing," he shares, emphasizing the show's commitment to evolving and staying relevant.

Tapping into the Personal Experiences of the Writers

Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey's success can be attributed, in part, to the team's dedication to making the content as relatable as possible. Majethia reveals that the writers are encouraged to draw from their own personal experiences, adding authenticity and depth to the narratives. "We tell our writers to get stories from their lives to add to the show. It is not one dimensional. The show merges TV with web format," he explains, highlighting the collaborative approach that ensures the show resonates with its audience.

Addressing Societal Issues with Sensitivity and Nuance

Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey has not shied away from tackling important societal issues, such as breast cancer awareness, good touch and bad touch, mental health, and financial responsibilities. Majethia emphasizes the importance of addressing these topics with sensitivity and nuance, ensuring that the show remains a safe and educational space for families. "We have touched upon several issues from breast cancer awareness, good touch and bad touch, mental health and financial responsibilities," he shares, underscoring the show's commitment to being a platform for meaningful conversations and positive change.

Redefining the Aesthetics of Television

In a landscape where visual appeal often takes precedence, Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Duniya Naye Kissey has chosen to prioritize authenticity and relatability over grandiose production values. Majethia explains, "Other shows on TV try to fight with cinema through the look and feel. But real life is not that glamorous. We don't live like that in our homes. That's why it is important to reflect reality and we get through the feeling as well as the topics that we address. It is relatable, and progressive."

Wagle Duniya merges television and web format: Showrunner JD Majethia