DAYA SAGAR
EPIC SERIAL ON CHRIST 
A closer look reveals that it’s actually a massive set created for the epic tele-serial Dayasagar produced and directed by Vijaya Chandar. The beautiful set erected at the cost of Rs.45 lakh on a two-acre plot, closely resembles the architecture of the holy city, Jerusalam. “Over 100 carpenters and painters worked for two months to raise the period structures using wood, stone and iron frames,” informs veteran art director Dilip Singh. He adds that since no one can be sure of exactly how Jerusalem looked during the time of Jesus he has taken the common architectural features of that period and worked out the set according to the needs of the script. As the serial progresses, old structures will give way to new ones. Certain portions are being shot outdoors at places like the famous Kutub Shahi tombs which bear an architectural similarity to the period.

Dayasagar presents the life and teachings of Jesus against the backdrop of the political, religious and social crisis of the Jewish people at that time. While Vijaya Chandar’s much acclaimed film Karunamayudu emphasises on Jesus, the serial with Vijaya Chandar in the lead role again, deals with the whole mission of Christ — both spiritual and temporal — on a wider canvas.

Scripted by Gunturu Yesupadam, the serial being telecast on Saturday mornings is based on the Gospel of St. Luke, with details added from the gospels of Mathew, Mark and John. Persons and incidents briefly touched upon in the Bible are developed, without violating the Biblical spirit, in an attempt to put the work of Jesus in perspective and to present a complete picture of the troubled times through his birth, crucification, resurrection and ascension.

With a mammoth cast of 4,000 artistes, each episode delves deeply into the political turmoil, religious bigotry and spiritual and moral crisis that plagued the society then. Interestingly, one can draw a lot of parallels with modern day socity.

The serial, which is already into its 34th episode, occasionally strays into the Old Testament to elaborate on the references made to prophets or personalities of that period. The first 150 episodes, according to Vijaya Chandar, will be devoted to the mission of Christ as a teacher, reformer and healer and the last 50 episodes will show the work of the apostles.

All the names of Biblical characters are pronounced the Indian way, which is closer to Jewish, making it easy for the people to relate to the characters. Thus Jesus becomes Ishu, John — Yohanna and Judas — Yuda.

A host of artistes from Bombay and Hyderabad are playing key roles. Impressive music score by Aditya Paudwal, son of noted playback singer Anuradha Paudwal, and songs rendered by Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, SP Balasubramaniam and Inderjeet add an emotional touch to the serial.