“I Think Circus is Too Unique to Be Created”, Says Renuka Shahane on The Iconic Serial
Old iconic serial ‘Circus’ starring Shahrukh Khan and Renuka Shahane has hit television screens. Doordarshan decided to bring back famed show ‘Circus’ on the channel after eons on March 28.
Old iconic serial ‘Circus’ starring Shahrukh Khan and Renuka Shahane has hit television screens. Doordarshan decided to bring back famed show ‘Circus’ on the channel after eons on March 28.
‘Circus’ was one of Shahrukh Khan’s first television serials before he rose to stardom in Bollywood. The 1989 serial was directed by Aziz Mirza and Kundan Shah. Khan portrayed the role of Shekharan Rai while Renuka played young Maria who took care of her unique birds in the circus.
The plot is based on Shekharan Rai, a young hunk who has just returned from America to help his father manage ‘Apollo Circus.’
The show featured other talented actors like Makarand Deshpande, Pavan Malhotra, Ashutosh Gowariker, Neeraj Vohra, Hyder Ali. Today Ashutosh Gowariker is one of the most renowned directors in Bollywood.
Renuka is glad that today’s generation would be watching ‘Circus’; the concept of which would be pretty unique to many with animals being banned from performing in circuses these days.
She admits that even though ‘Circus’ can be remade, it will lack the original charm and not to forget the production cost would also be high. “I think Circus is too unique to be created”, she added.
The entire show was shot with a live circus called the ‘Apollo Circus.’ Reminiscing ‘Circus’ days, Renuka defined the experience as ‘wholesome’ and she relished the bonhomie atmosphere it offered to its talented actors. They worked and stayed in tents with real children who worked in the circus and some hailed from countries like Nepal.
“It was great as we all were quite young and enthusiastic. Shah Rukh had a huge craze even at that time because his previous show Fauji had done so well. He was like a heartthrob even then. At that time when he was not even a film star, I've seen him getting mobbed by fans and a crowd of around 20,000 people gathering there just to see Shah Rukh Khan,” she added.
On public demand due to the 21-day lockdown, ‘Circus’ will be telecasted every day. So, if you are one of those ardent fans of this iconic serial and want to live your nostalgic moment, tune in to Doordarshan every day at 3 pm to relive ‘Circus.’
