Exclusive | Aanjjan Srivastav celebrates 1000 episodes of 'Wagle Ki Duniya', says, ‘I never believed in TRP rating’

In Pic: Aanjjan Srivastav

Wagle Ki Duniya was a cult show in 1988. When the show premiered, it instantly became everyone's favourite. Then in 2021, Hats Off Productions Limited decided to create a spin-off that takes forward the story of Srinivas Wagle. Aanjjan Srivastav, who has reprised the role of Srinivas Wagle, is now celebrating the 1000 episodes of Wagle Ki Duniya- Nayi Peedhi Naye Kisse.

Aanjjan Srivastav, in an interview with midday.com, shared his excitement about completing 1000 episodes of Wagle Ki Duniya- Nayi Peedhi Naye Kisse. The actor started the conversation by talking about his decision to sign on for the spin-off. He shared, "When ‘Wagle Ki Duniya' was created in 1988, it was based on a character by RK Laxman. I was in Chandigarh when I learned that JD Studios and Rajesh Kapadia were planning a spin-off of the show. When the makers approached me, I agreed to participate on the condition that the character of Rajesh Wagle remained the same as in the 1988 show. They agreed, and I signed the show."

While sharing his excitement about the show completing 1000 episodes, Srivastav shared, "I'm very ecstatic and hope that the show surpasses 1,000 episodes and continues for as long as possible. I never believed in TRP ratings, as many times even successful shows don't achieve the expected TRP. Our show has a lot of stability. The producers and channel owners are actively involved in daily operations and in deciding what to present to the audience and when. I hope a third generation of the show will also emerge."

Further, when asked if he feared comparisons with the original Wagle ki Duniya, the actor responded, "When I agreed to reprise my role, people doubted the show would meet expectations. I placed only one condition before the creators: my character would remain the same as in the 1988 version. He would wear the same simple clothes. That character shaped my career. All the work I have done, including 180 films, is because of the character of Wagle."

The spin-off Wagle Ki Duniya- Nayi Peedhi Naye Kisse started on February 8, 2021. The show follows the story of three generations of a middle-class family navigating the ups and downs of life and overcoming their simple everyday struggles together.