Qualitative laughter: Producer JD Majethia excited with reruns of 'Khichdi' and 'Sarabhai'

New Delhi: Producer JD Majethia, one of the names behind Indian television’s beloved family comedies “Khichdi” and “Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai”, says he is happy that these two shows are returning on the small screen at a time when people need “qualitative laughter”.

After Doordarshan, other channels such as Star Bharat and Sony are also trying to keep the viewers engaged and entertained with their blast from the past as production remains suspended on movies and shows due to the coronavirus lockdown, which ends April 14.

Majethia said as an artiste, they are fortunate to be able to contribute to the essential services which now includes bringing a smile on one’s face in whatever little way possible.

“Crores and crores of people of India will have to think about this country. Many essential service providers healthcare workers, government servants, bank employees, shopkeepers, vegetable vendors, newspaper vendors are right now out of their homes doing their job, helping people,” he said.

“We, the artistes, who are at home are also among them. We are a kind of doctors who are trying to dispel the hopelessness around. We are happy that we are getting to play this role, that we have got an opportunity to do our bit in this situation,” Majethia, who co-produced the two shows with writer-director Aatish Kapadia, told PTI in an interview.

With “Sarabhai” at 10 am and “Khichdi” at 11 am, the audience will get to see two back-to-back episodes of the shows daily on Star Bharat, the producer said.

“People don’t know what to do with their time anymore now that there’s no routine. When you’re not excited to wake up, it frustrates you more. This is good for those who don’t have access to OTT. Why waste money on streaming when it’s coming on TV?” he said,

“When you’ll laugh, you will have fresh, happy thoughts, you’ll feel good. This qualitative laughter of these shows, which have proved their mettle in the past, is a big thing,” he added.