Children’s series produced by teenager finds no takers

The prodigy is in pains. A four-part, children-oriented television serial, Makkala Loka (the world of children) which he has made is still waiting for some channel’s nod. Sameer Sudarshan, a Pre-University student from Vijaya College, Bangalore, produced the four-episode series based on two short stories written by himself, at a cost of Rs. 25,000 per episode (taken from his father.)

But there are no takers for his effort. The local Bangalore Doordarshan is making him run from pillar to post. Although a local cable channel has come to his rescue and offered a slot, getting hold of advertisers to back up his project is another problem this youngster is facing.

Sameer is known for his appearances in television serials like Katha Sagara, Parvathi and Shakthi. After getting the consent from his parents - his father R.C. Venkatesh Rao is a company law consultant and mother R.V. Jayanthi, a research and development employee in a private firm - Sameer decided to make a series on the stories he had written.

The first story, Nidhi is about a treasure hidden in a far off place. A group of children, in order to get a play ground for their school, approach the head master but he is helpless since the management has no funds. The children then learn about a treasure hunt competition. Four students enter the competition and win a cash prize which they donate to the school for the construction of a play ground. Sameer has directed Nidhi in two episodes and ahs also written the screenplay and dialogues.

“I was inspired by the Bravery Award given to the children on Republic Day,” Sameer says. I have made two more episodes based on another story of mine, titled Raani. After getting back my money, I will be making Ramu, which is again related to the bravery of children.

Sameer is also a Carnatic classical singer and has staged plays with Ananya Kasaravalli (daughter of Girish Kasaravalli) and translated five dramas into Kannada from English. The Emperor with new clothes is his pet stage play.

K.S. Vasu

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