Dr Arun Nigwekar will now produce Bin Bhintincha Ghar for ETV's Marathi channel

Changing times, changing roles. Dr Arun Nigwekar, the former vice-chancellor of Pune University, has now become the producer of a reality show, Bin Bhintincha Ghar (Home without walls), for ETV's Marathi channel.

Nigwekar, who recently retired from the post of chairman of the University Grant Commission (UGC), always aspired to contribute in a meaningful way to society. "Producing this reality show based on issues related to the present nuclear family system is my social commitment," he said.

"Life in the fast lane in the cities has had a direct impact on the families. This show will certainly help viewers to understand the present changing situation and the true meaning of globalisation."

Family act

Nigwekar's son Ketan and his friend Saurabh Gadgil are the show's co-producers. They have roped in psychologists and psychiatrists like Dr Ulhas Luktuke, Dr Anagha Lavlekar and Sujata Honap, who make the panel of judges. "We are trying to address many issues, not by preaching but by entertaining," said Nigwekar.

Veteran jeweller Dagikaka Gadgil, Saurabh's grandfather, who will also 'act' in the show observed that a tension-free life with positive thinking will make everyone happy in the family. "I am very close to my grand and great grandchildren by adopting this principle," he said.

Different show

What makes the show different, the shows' director Girish Kemkar said, is that it will also highlight showbiz personalities like Marathi star Pushkar Jog and his family. "We will also feature an ordinary girl Pavitra Shetty from Ahmednagar, who was in the Std XII merit list last year. Her father runs a pan shop and lives in slums," said Kemkar.

Talking about the format of the show, Kemkar said, "By juxtaposing quiz and even the interesting role play games, we will make the show both entertaining and informative. Some of the aims of this show are to understand the present generation as well as reduce the generation gap."