Choti Bahu, Maa to be matinee shows

The Zee conundrum involving its upcoming shows is showing some sign of solution with Choti Bahu and Maa tipped to occupy the afternoon slot. If sources are to be believed, DJ’s: A Creative Unit’s Choti Bahu, whose promo is currently on, will launch in October end while Shakuntalam Film’s Maa will go on air in November. While they are slated to be matinee shows the timings for these shows is still not clear. It has been widely buzzed from all corners that Saath Saath will come to an end. However, Kamal Monga, director of Saath Saath had this to say, “I too am hearing this rumour but so far there is no confirmation from the production house or the channel. We are waiting for an official word.” Similarly, there was uncertainty surrounding the fate of Filmfarm Productions’ Rakhi but the show reportedly has got a year’s extension. An official from Filmfarm, on condition of anonymity, confirmed to us that the show indeed has got a year’s extension. Deeya Singh, producer of Choti Bahu, said that she was clueless about the timing for her show. Shyam Bhattacharya of Shakuntalam Films echoed the same. From the look of it, it seems likely that DJ’s Jhoome Jiiye Re, which was earlier aired on Zee Next and is now being re-run on Zee TV, could be facing the axe. Thus in all likelihood, it will be Jhoome Jiiya Re and Saath Saath making way for Choti Bahu and Maa. Earlier, it was speculated that Maa would push Saath Phere into the afternoon slot but the ascending TRPs of Saath Phere and other prime time shows has meant that they will continue to hold on to their slots. Despite repeated attempts, Zee TV programming head Ajay Bhalwankar was unavailable for comment.