Baat...cut short

Sab TV's driver show post revamp is taking a pause. Lo Kal Lo Baat, which premiered on Sab TV after its acquisition by Sony six months ago, is taking a season break. The show took inspiration from the Drew Carey anchored Whose Line is it Anyway? that continues to run on Star World, but was 'experimental' enough for Indian audiences unused to the 'improvisation' format. Host Saurabh Shukla would make the participants (culled mostly from theatre, some from TV) and make them perform instanteneous antics, aimed at drawing out the best of their histrionic talent. LKLB succeeded in bringing together some versatile talent together in the industry - including Vrajesh Hirjee, Hiten Paintal, Vir Das, Bhaktiar Irani, Sunil Grover, Manmeet Singh et al), but has probably not shaken up audiences enough, if the ratings are an indication. The channel however avers that the show did succeed in developing its niche audience and would return, probably in a renewed format with fresh talent, in some months' time. "The show is going off air at the end of March and as the format of the show is talent based, we would like to experiment with new talent in the second season-Lo Kal Lo Baat ," states Sab's programming head Priya Mishra. "We are planning to launch a new show after Lo Kal Lo Baat is off air. As we are nearing the end of the first season, it's too soon for us to talk about the next season,it's star cast and the production house details," she says. Shooting for the show has already wrapped up, for now and the last episode is due to air by the end of this month. Saurabh, who wielded the 'bhopu' and hosted the show in his inimitable style, says he enjoyed the experience immensely, and found 'at least 16 to 18 actors who turned out extremely good'. "It's the kind of show that has the potential to innovate as it goes ahead, and build up the audience as it proceeds. From April though, there will be no Baat. Unless Sab comes back with a fresh season, and gives viewers a chance to say Lo Kal Lo Baat....