Director Anirudh Pathak reimagines mythology with Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki — Ganesh Kartikey, portraying Shiv and Parvati as parents instead of deities. He praises Mohit Malik and Shrenu Parikh for bringing warmth and authenticity to their roles as Shiv and Parvati
A still from ‘Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki - Ganesh Kartikey’
Changing the lens and telling the same story from a new point of view was director Anirudh Pathak’s aim when he first decided to depict the brotherhood with the show, Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki — Ganesh Kartikey. Mythological tales about deities are often told from a single perspective, but he envisioned making this more relatable by portraying Shiv and Parvati as parents rather than as a God and Goddess. As the show went on air on October 6, the director — who has previously created cult favourites Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev and Siya Ke Ram — spoke to mid-day about offering audiences a glimpse into mythology, drawing from the Vedas and Upanishads while sifting through folklores. He also discussed his vision for the pivotal roles and why audiences are more receptive to such stories post the pandemic.
Excerpts from the interview.
In the 25 years you have worked as a director, how do you think television shows have changed when making a mythology show?
I have understood two things. Firstly, you have to view the changes in audience viewing habits for mythological shows through two lenses — pre and post-COVID. The pandemic gave people the opportunity to understand death. Everyone now knows that everything is perishable and nothing lasts forever. Post-COVID, I’ve noticed a cultural hunger. No one wants to live merely for the sake of living. I think this is the time when content is reinventing its point of view, especially for mythological shows. It was a different time altogether when I made my previous shows. The new audience amounts to over 330 million, especially with the impact of social media. The second change I’ve noticed is that content cannot be purely educational; it has to bind with family and family values.
Anirudh Pathak
You’ve already made Mahadev. With so many options available, why focus on Ganesh and Kartikey?
I have done my MA in Sanskrit, so I’ve always been connected to the Vedas and Purans. At home, we often worshipped Kali and Shiva — that’s how I spent my childhood. Secondly, we’ve not often seen brotherhood on screen. Films with two heroes always tend to work, and I don’t think anyone has seen mythology through that lens. Kartikey is a major god in the South and Ganesh is a popular deity in the North. That’s why I thought it was the right time to tell this story. I think the positioning was apt.
What did your research entail?
My journey started with Shiva, the story of Mahadev, which I made earlier. But incorporating him into regular households was a difficult task. Mythological shows are all about learning and about God. My agenda was to infuse it with a dose of family. There is a mother who is the epitome of cosmic power, yet her heart breaks for her children. Parvati may be a goddess, but she is ultimately a mother. It is a dysfunctional family, for lack of a better word. Shiv, Parvati, Kartikey, and Ganesh are connected to each other, and I wanted to explore that family dynamic.
We worked in three stages. First, we looked at what the scriptures said. The lessons in the Vedas are theoretical, while the Purans convey them through stories. Every story we hear about [deities] has its core in the Upanishads and Vedas. Mythology is like a memory passed down for generations, supported by folklore. You have to travel back at least 2000 years to get all your facts right. Shiv and Parvati’s shivshakti is like consciousness, an energy. When they unite, the world runs. Ganesh and Kartikey are shivshakti’s worldly expressions. My attempt has always been to portray the truthfulness of mythology. There are many stories to tell — like when the Ramayana is told from Sita’s point of view, it changes a bit, but the core story remains the same. If you stay true to your story, people will accept it, that’s what I believe.
How long have you worked on this story?
This story has been with me for eight years. Many channels have been keen to bring it to the screen, but it worked out best only now. We’ve been working on the show for a year. I wanted to upgrade the VFX we use in the show. Everything aligned at the right time.
How much have you explored VFX and Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI has opened new avenues for VFX. With the help of advanced technology, we can now do things we previously only imagined. My aim is to maintain that level throughout the show. AI is still at its nascent stage.
Why did you cast Mohit Malik and Shrenu Parikh as Shiv and Parvati?
I was looking for a mother in Parvati. In most shows, she is portrayed more as a heroine than as a mother. Shrenu is a good actor, but more than that, she has the vatsalya of a good mother. The moment I met her, I knew she was my Parvati. Mohit was suggested by the producers, but he was also busy with his films. When he finally agreed, he became so involved in his character that he made us feel it on set. I think he started living as the character. He is more of a father figure in this show. They’ve brought their own flavour to the roles and made them their own. That’s why our lens is different from all other stories of the Shiv parivaar. If it becomes as cult as Mahadev, or if we start seeing idols of Ganesh and Kartikey together, I think my show will be a success. And someday, if they make a temple for them together, my wish will be fulfilled.
8
Number of years it took for the story to find its destination
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