Exclusive | Experimenting with 'Mission Sapney': Raj Nayak

Have you ever thought of Ranbir Kapoor as a vada-pav seller or Karan Johar as a photographer or the man of all seasons Salman Khan as a barber? Well, we are not talking films or characters in a film, but real life! These renowned celebrities along with others have taken it up to themselves to don the role of the real ‘aam aadmi’ for a day and benefit the common man. This interesting transformation from reel to real will be brought to our television sets via ‘Mission Sapne’, an upcoming show on Colors which is a first of its kind property which allows celebrities to leverage their fame and popularity which will in turn help the common man. The show which conveys a strong social message to its viewers will showcase various personalities from Bollywood depicting the hardships faced by the common man. The funds raised from this show will aid the common man and help him make ends meet. Audiences will witness the hardships faced by those who make our lives comfortable and easy. This innovative offering from Colors has been produced by Sobo Films and brings alive the travails of the people who work hard for a living.

Smruti Shinde, Director, Sobo Films, commenting on the show’s concept said, “We are pleased to partner with India’s leading channel, COLORS to present Mission Sapne. The show has an exciting approach towards showcasing the burdens in the life of a common man through the eyes of a celebrity as they work hard to generate funds. Through Mission Sapne, we aim to convey to Indian audiences that no person should be looked down upon and that the smallest achievements deserve to be cherished in the grandest manner.”

Sharing his views on the show he said, “Mission Sapne is our humble effort to showcase the hardships faced by the ‘aam aadmi’ and join hands with celebrities from different walks of life to make a difference. With everything that our audiences have given us in making COLORS a household name; Mission Sapne is our endeavor to give back to the society by bringing the life of a common man to the limelight and sharing their story for the world to behold.” He shared his sentiment of being grateful to the celebrities associated with Mission Sapne and who extended their support and helped in lightening the burden of the less fortunate by raising funds for their welfare.

COLORS has always believed in experimentation and come out with successful properties in the past. Now embarking on their latest show, Nayak spoke about how the concept for this unique show originated. He said, “As a channel we believe that amongst other things, we also have some responsibility towards the society. So when Producer Smruti Shinde and Vikas Gulati of Sobo films approached us with the concept and the back-stories of the common people, we felt it was something we must do with the help of our vast platform. The primary aim of the show is to sensitize people about the issues of the common man and spread the message that you too can in your own way help someone.”

Mission Sapne is one among many of Colors efforts to offer differentiated programming to its viewers. In this regard he said that the channel has always tried to bring freshness and variety in content that they present to audiences and have also got good feedback from their viewers.

The channel has undoubtedly become a household name and has offered programming which reaches out to the masses and this time around, the broadcaster showcases the hardships faced by them in their daily lives. Commenting on how Mission Sapne is an endeavor on part of the channel to help and give back to society an opportunity to resolve their issues while also bringing them into the limelight Nayak said, “Presented by Tata Motors, Mission Sapne is a show that ushers hope. It is a show which believes in giving back to the society. It’s the purity of this intent which forms the key highlight of the show. The celebrities have been over generous with their contributions. They have not only done the show Probono but also have whole heartedly dedicated their precious time and energy for the cause. Their participation and willingness to make a difference to the society has been overwhelming.”

He further informed that by bringing a celebrity closer to the life of a common man it will, in due course of time, raise awareness about their issues. “During the course of the episode, we will take audiences on a journey into the life and struggles of the beneficiaries. It aims to drive inspiration through a never-seen-before initiative that crosses the paths of the common man with celebrities,” he added.

Being an adaptation of Marathi show Bole Toh Malamaal, Nayak went on to explain about the research that went in to get this show on Colors. “When the concept was presented to us, the first thing that we realized is that it’s a feel good show, it’s aspirational. Getting a celebrity to do a common man’s job can inspire millions to come forward and help people in need. There are certain stories/concepts which immediately tug at your heartstrings. One doesn’t need to do any research for them. We’re giving HOPE to people in an entertaining way. Nothing can be more positive than that in today’s chaotic world,” he avers.
In Bole Toh Malamaal, celebrities come forward to help a needful person in the society. Will there be a sense of déjà vu with Mission Sapne or will audiences witness newer concepts in this version? In reply to this he said that Mission Sapne is a show which has been designed basis the format owned by producers of the show, Sobo Films.  The show remains an extension of the format, while featuring celebrities having widespread national appeal amongst our audiences.

In terms of engagement with their audiences and expectations from the upcoming show, rounding off an interesting conversation Nayak said, “Our main aim of launching a show like Mission Sapne is to bring to the forefront the struggles of the beneficiaries. Getting a celebrity to do a common man’s job can inspire millions to come forward and help people in need.”

Mission Sapne will help celebrities leverage their popularity while simultaneously benefiting the society at large. The show will feature 10 celebrities from different walks of life as they step into the shoes of the common man across the country, namely: Ranbir Kapoor as a Vada Pav seller in Pune, Mika Singh – Chaiwala in Tilak Nagar, Delhi, Salman Khan – Barber in Mumbai, Drashti Dhami – Nimbu Mirchi seller outside Oberoi Mall in Goregaon, Mumbai, Varun Dhawan – Patiwala at Crawford Market in Mumbai, Siddharth Malhotra – Vegetable seller at 7 Bungalows in Andheri, Mumbai, Ram Kapoor – Taxi Driver in Mumbai, Ronit Roy – Cosmetic Seller in Lucknow, Harbhajan Singh – Namkeen seller in Chandigarh and last but not the least the versatile Karan Johar as Photographer at Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Mission Sapne is slated to go on-air on COLORS starting 27th April, 2014 at 8 PM. It is a weekend property and will air every Sunday at 8pm. The show is a 10 episode series wherein one will see 10 celebrities take over the mantle of 10 common people in various cities of India and earn their livelihood.