With the increasing popularity of the ‘Netflix n Chill’ culture, digital platforms are coming up with a myriad of web series that cover a diverse range of genres. The Queen of the Indian television industry, Ekta Kapoor, has launched her own on-demand video platform called ALT Balaji and is producing several shows with unique concepts. The TV mogul recently announced her new web series that will be set in the 1960s and 70s, in Kolkata.
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Ekta Kapoor shared on Twitter that it took more than two years to conceptualise the project: “Soon in an hour or two launching a fave that’ll launch a 1000 ships naaaah just a show after a 2.5 year wait! #it happened in Calcutta is a love saga based in d ‘60 during the cholera epidemic n then in 70’s during d war! A love blooming admist tragedy.”
The series, It Happened in Calcutta, revolves around a strong-minded young woman, Kusum, who comes to Calcutta Medical College to fulfil her dream. Ekta revealed that it took her more than 300 auditions to find the perfect face for the web series. The ace producer finally roped in Naghma Rizwan to play the titular role of Kusum.
Yesterday, Ekta introduced Naghma to all her fans, “Chehra ik pal yakeen chehra ik pal gumaan… meet Kusum of #ithappenedincalcutta Love like no other! Life changed for her when she met Ronbir In d cholera ridden Calcutta n again during the war… directed by @kenghosh19 credit: @altbalaji… Our quest for that perfect face over 2.5 years led us through 300+ auditions across India… Introducing our new talent Naghma Rizwan as Kusum! She will be starring with Karan Kundrra in our upcoming web series #ItHappenedInCalcutta. Filming soon. Stay tuned for updates.”
Karan Kundrra, who is currently hosting the fourth season of Love School, will be playing the lead role in the web series. The actor posted a video sharing his excitement on being a part of the show. He also wrote, “A love blooming amidst tragedy!! #ItHappenedInCalcutta A love saga with the backdrop of the Cholera outbreak and the ‘71 war!! With over 2 years of hard work and research, finally it’s time to begin work on my most exciting bag till date! Again a big thank you @ektaravikapoor.”
In an interview with a leading daily, Karan revealed the details about his character: “It’s a role that will bring out the best in me because months of hard work have gone in prepping up my character. Ronobir Chatterjee is a medical college student who is flamboyant, arrogant and a ‘devastatingly’ handsome boy. It’s time to get my strongest flamboyant game on.” Karan Kundrra was also seen in ALTBalaji’s Dil Hi Toh Hai 2.
All set to make her acting debut, an excited Naghma quipped, “It feels really great that the universe has presented me with such a wonderful opportunity. The whole 60s & 70s vibe, Calcutta and of course getting to play this strong and beautiful character Kusum, seems really magical and I feel really connected to all. I am sure Ekta Kapoor must have seen something in me beyond my exterior beauty and also my potential as an actor and for that, I’m truly grateful to her. If someone sees that spark in you, you got to keep the fire burning. My mother always said I’m a blessed child and now I truly feel it.”
The new and interesting love story of Kusum and Ronbir, It Happened in Calcutta, promises to be a tale that’s sure going to keep us hooked to the screens. The makers are currently in the process of casting other actors, and will soon make an announcement about the release date.
Featured Image: Instagram
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