advertisement
Hello fraans, Jai Mata Di.
In today’s edition of satire, or news, as we sometimes call it here in India, self styled godwoman Radhe Maa will soon be seen in her own web series. Jee haan! The ‘rad’ ma is all set to give competition to A-listers Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Sidiqqui, albeit with a much more literal interpretation of the duo’s hit show, ‘Sacred’ Games.
Funnily enough, the web-series, titled ‘Raah De Maa,’ will go under the genre of comedy. Chalo, what a relief to find even Maa doesn’t take herself too seriously!
But after the massive success of MSG: The Messenger and his iconic Love Charzer avatar, nobody should make the mistake of taking Radhe Maa’s debut lightly. Here’s why:
Radhe Maa wouldn’t have to painfully acquire followers, bit by bit, like other artists have to. She already has lacs of ‘followers' - quite literally so- who are living their lives in her devotion. Sachi, the phrase, ‘star worship’ never felt so real.
And Maa has refreshing ways of blessing her devotees – for instance dancing with them and letting them carry her in their arms.
Too bad it gets them in trouble. For example, an SHO from a Delhi police station was suspended for allowing her to sit on his official seat.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I certainly see no problem in letting your guru sit on your office chair. As long as you are not placing them on a pedestal!
Here’s my aakaashvani: Radhe Maa could very well be the desi Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner!
How? Well, just like Kylie and Kardashian made millions out of their unique fashion statement, Radhe maa too could sell her lit suhaagan look to millions of Indian bahus. Her lal lipstick, sindoor, lehenga, and choora are all market ready products!
What’s more? They could even go as a package: a Suhaagan Starter Kit, if you will.
Radhe Maa for the next Forbes’ list of ‘self-made’ billionaire women, anyone?
What does it take to sell a show? Controversy. Controversy. And lots of controversy.
In 2016, an FIR was lodged against Radhe Maa for carrying a ‘trishul’ on a flight. And another one for impersonating Goddess Durga and ‘cheating devotees by taking money from them’. Also, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, a body of Indian sadhus and sants (wow, even they have a body??) placed her on its list of 14 ‘fake babas’.
Wild Wild Country makers, are you taking notes?
Considering how much Indians love their stars and present them a golden opportunity to become absent MPs, a ticket to office would not remain a distant dream for Maa anymore.
What with America’s 45th President Donald Trump and his reality TV background being an example for us, this web series may very well be Radhe Maa’s shortcut to Lok kalyan marg!
Alas! Big platforms like Netflix and Amazon failed to see the immense potential in this series and decided to stay away from it. But that didn’t stop producer Ramman Handa from launching the comedy web series on a brand new web portal called Natak, with its own subscription model.
Not sure about maa ‘acting on screen for the first time’ bro, but nonetheless, I’m happy for you!
(P.S: You can follow me a.k.a Desi D at Facebook/DivyaniRattanpal)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
Published: 08 Aug 2018,08:47 PM IST