Sex And The City to go desi?

A localised version of the original HBO series will soon occupy the spot currently filled by Kittie Party on Zee. This one is sure to raise a few eyebrows. Zee, that channel that's valiantly trying to create a different identity for itself with shows a trifle bolder, plans to replace the waning Kittie Party with a desi version of Sex And the City. The new show, produced by Shrishti Arya, is going to be titled a tame Kabhie Haan Kabhi Naa though. Kittie Party and Lipstick have been the two weapons in Zee's armoury, targeted at the late night adult audiences. Both started with a promise of adult treatment of the routine family drama, but eventually succumbed to the commercial formula. After nearly two years, both shows are on their way out. And Lipstick producer Arya is being given the task of recreating a milder version of Sex And The City for the 10.30 pm slot. The HBO show may have been ravishingly risque but Arya is not sure viewers can accept the same degree of boldness. “I would love to do a Sex And The City but can our audience accept it? It's Indian television, you can’t make such shows here,” she laughs. Arya calls it an urban show based on daily interactions between the men and the women, something the Zee English viewer has been used to so far. KHKN will star Arya's favourite actors - Vishal Singh, Kushal Punjabi, Dimple, Nigar Khan, and of course, Gautami Gadgil. But why not a straight adaptation of Sex And The City, we persist. “We still are a one TV household. It is embarrassing for even urban folks to watch SATC with their families,” points out Arya. “We tried to get into the bolder arena with Lipstick, but ultimately had to change it and give the audiences what they wanted." While Siddhant Cinevision's Kittie Party had eight women, living and partying, KHKN has roped in a dozen to sizzle the tube. The show will also mark the television debut of some new faces, promises Arya. Let's see if the chosen dozen work their charm…..