Gujarat, Ahmedabad 13 February 2025: In an interview, showrunner Sooraj Barjatya shares his vision behind Bada Naam Karenge, Rajshri Productions’ first venture into the OTT space. The series, set in the culturally rich backdrop of Ujjain and Ratlam, captures the journey of two ambitious youngsters who navigate the challenges of big-city life while staying true to their small-town roots and family values. With Barjatya’s signature storytelling style and a contemporary twist, Bada Naam Karenge promises to resonate with viewers of all generations, celebrating tradition, relationships, and modern aspirations.
- What inspired you to develop this story in your role as a showrunner?
Bada Naam Karenge is inspired from the SonyLIV’s, especially Danish & Sugata Ji’s confidence in Rajashri. When we met them for the first time, it was very clear that they wanted to have Rajashri Cinema on OTT platform. Both said, “let’s get the audience who watch Vivah, Hum Saath Saath Hai, Hum Aapake Hai Kaun every weekend. Getting them on OTT platform would cater to modern audiences, was the vision of SonyLIV and they trusted us for it. A lot of credit goes to Manasvi as well, who has written this story about two kids, who are from Ratlam and Ujjain, who wanted to achieve something in life. They come to the metro-city, and they tell us how small-town kids face problems while adjusting in big cities, how they managed to be true on the city’s expectations & parents’ expectations. This entire credit goes to SonyLIV, Danish Ji, Sugata Ji for believing that Rajashri can do something nice on OTT platform.
- What made you choose Ujjain and Ratlam as the setting for this love saga, and how do these locations help highlight the beauty of relationships and moral values?
Setting the show in Ujjain and Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, was a strategic decision. Madhya Pradesh is a strong market for family films, and the cultural backdrop perfectly aligns with the show’s story. Our writer, Manasvi, having lived extensively in Madhya Pradesh, wrote the story with authentic local flavor. The show prominently features Ratlami Sev, tying into the hero’s ambition to expand his family’s MishtanBhandar in big cities like Dubai – a dream to take Ujjain’s & Ratlam’s famous sweets and namkeens to the global level. Ujjain and Ratlam, with their rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and iconic landmarks like the Mahakal temple, offer a visually captivating setting. Director Palash, with his personal connection to Madhya Pradesh, further enhanced the show’s authenticity. The result is a visually rich and culturally immersive series that celebrates the region’s traditions
- The show captures the essence of the ’90s regarding love and family values. How did you incorporate a modern twist, such as the lockdown backdrop, into this narrative?
The show is a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance is largely attributed to the compelling narrative structure and the creative vision of writers Manasvi and Vidit. At its core, the story revolves around two young individuals who migrate to the city, driven by ambition and a desire to make their families proud. However, they face problems while adjusting to the urban life, struggling to maintain their traditional values amidst the fast-paced environment. I mean, when you are in city, it’s difficult to you will be able to keep ‘Ekadashi ka Vrat’ every time, every Saturday I’ll go to Hanuman Mandir, and things like that. The pandemic forces them to live together unexpectedly, revealing hidden aspects of their lives that they fear their families wouldn’t understand. The plot takes a surprising turn when they are later presented with an arranged marriage scenario, forcing them to confront the lies they’ve maintained and the complexities of their true identities. This relatable dilemma resonates deeply with viewers, as it mirrors the internal conflicts faced by many individuals navigating the clash between tradition and modernity in contemporary India.
- The show has something for audiences of all age groups. Can you describe the process of creating a series like this? Are there any specific elements you’d like to highlight in terms of storytelling or audience appeal?
My previous films typically resonated with an older audience, typically attracting younger viewers who brought their parents or grandparents along. However, with this project, director Palash, who is an experienced OTT filmmaker, we successfully translated my signature ‘Rajshri’ style into a contemporary framework. He efficiently blended traditional values with modern love, creating a narrative that appeals to a wider demographic, including younger viewers.
- What was it like mentoring Palash Vaswani in his role as the director, and how did you collaborate to bring the vision of the show to life?
The most rewarding aspect of this project was undoubtedly the collaboration with director Palash. As the captain of the ship, he effectively led the team with his vast experience, particularly his acclaimed work on ‘Gullak.’ Despite his success, Palash remained humble and approachable, fostering a strong team spirit. He assembled a talented crew, including the DOP, production designer, and music director, all of whom brought a genuine connection to the small-town ethos. Palash valued input from all stakeholders, ensuring that the show resonated with a younger audience. His leadership and collaborative approach were instrumental to the success of this project.
- Your films have always stood out for their family-oriented narratives, especially in the ’90s. With OTT content now dominated by crime thrillers and horror genres, do you still see a demand for family-centric stories, and how do you plan to continue your legacy in this space?
Yes, I get this question everywhere I go. I feel, despite the dominance of thrillers and dark narratives on OTT platforms, there’s a significant market for family-friendly content. While diverse content is essential, the key lies in creating sincere and distinctive narratives. The growing demand for family-viewing experiences on OTT platforms highlights a need for content that is accessible to all, free from excessive violence and strong language. By embracing the value of all emotions and catering to this underserved segment, we can contribute to a new wave of family-friendly viewing on OTT platforms.
- What message do you hope viewers take away from the series? Is there a specific life lesson or moral you wish to convey through the characters and their journeys?
The message for young viewers is to strive for their aspirations while upholding the values imparted by their families. These values serve as a strong foundation, providing unwavering support and guidance throughout their journey. By cherishing these values, they will discover an invaluable source of strength and encouragement from their loved ones
- Given the strong emphasis on family values in your work, how do you see the role of family evolving in modern-day storytelling, especially on OTT platforms?
I strongly believe that traditional Indian values continue to hold significance in today’s evolving relationships. India embodies a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, and discarding our values would be detrimental to our identities. ‘Bada Naam Karenge’ explores this delicate balance, showcasing how different generations can learn from each other, fostering mutual respect and understanding while remaining true to their core beliefs. This approach is essential for successfully navigating the complexities of modern relationships
