Revisit an inspiring chapter of Indian history with Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Punyashlok Ahilyabai’

Watch this unique sajhedaari of Ek Sasur Jisne Saath Nibhaya aur Ek Putravadhu Jisne Itihaas Banaya every Mon-Fri at 7:30pm

Mumbai. Delivering on its commitment to treat viewers with relatable content and keeping up with its portfolio of unparalleled historical shows, Sony Entertainment Television is set to welcome 2021 by revisiting an important and glorious chapter of Indian history through its latest offering Punyashlok Ahilyabai.

The show, as grand in its audio-visual telling as in its intent to inspire, inform and engage, will narrate the real-life inspiring and courageous tale of Ahilyabai Holkar on the Indian television for the very first time. Produced by Dashami Creations, Punyashlok Ahilyabai premierestonight and will air every Mon-Fri at 7:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

A period drama set in the 18th century, the show’s core lies in bringing forth the story of a woman, ahead of her times, who was relentlessly supported by her father-in-law. At a time when societal rules and patriarchy dictated lives, education was a taboo for women, who were bereft of voice and rights, Ahilyabai stood out as a rare and exemplary example that a person becomes great not by gender or birth, but by deeds.

Born in a village of Chaundi, Ahilyabai was chosen as a child bride by Malhar Rao Holkar, one of the chief generals (Subhedaar) of the Peshwa and the ruler of Malwa, for his son Khande Rao. Impressed by her egalitarian approach, unique thought process and inquisitive personality, Malhar Rao realisingher thirst for knowledge, bended societal rules to quench it, and unknowingly prepared her to be his true heir.

While exploring this narrative, PunyashlokAhilyabai will also bringforth, the unique bond shared between a daughter-in-law and her father-in-law, without whose unflinching support, her life would have had a different course altogether.

The show features acclaimed child actress Aditi Jaltare as Ahilyabai, while renowned TV actor Rajesh Shringarpore will be seen playing Ahilyabai’s father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar.Krish Chauhan will be seen asAhilyabai’s husband Khande Rao Holkar while SnehlataVaisaikar will be portraying the character of Gautamabai, Ahilyabai’s mother-in-law.

Altogether, Ahilyabai Holkar made a place for herself in history and in the hearts of people.Her nobility, and life story exemplifies what can be achieved with sheer determination, grit and by receiving true guidance.
Tune-in to PunyashlokAhilyabai, starting tonight, every Mon-Fri at 7:30pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

Ashish Golwalkar, Head – Programming, Sony Entertainment Television& Digital Business said As we enter the new year, we are happy to unfold a chapter of history which is not only inspiring but empowering in so many ways. The trajectory of MatoshreeAhilyabai Holkar’s life makes this new offering unique.

She was a woman ahead of her times and a courageous one at that. Centuries later, her legacy still lives on in the form of the numerous temples, dharamshalas, and the large amount of social work she dedicated her life to. She was a visionary who proved to be inspiration for generations to come.

We are happy to collaborate with Dashami Creations once again for a magnum opus like PunyashlokAhilyabai. We’ve received tremendous response from the audience so far and we hope that they enjoy watching a show which is as authentic and grand in its feel as this glorious story commands.

Nitin Vaidya, Producer – Dashami Creations said After a successful association with Sony Entertainment Television throughMere Sai, we are glad to have gotten this opportunity to narrate the story of one of the finest female rulers in Indian history on television. We specifically wanted to highlight the bond that Ahilyabai shared with her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar who identified the true potential in her – something which was inspiring and ahead of its time. The entire team has put their heart into creating an 18th century era for the viewers and all the artists associated with this project have done full justice to the characters they are portraying.

Shirish Latkar, Writer said PunyashlokAhilyabai is not just a story about a woman who became a ruler. Its uniqueness lies in being a story about a common girl from a village in Maharashtra who went on to become one of India’s finest women rulers, with the support of her father-in-law. The show explores this tangent of her life beautifully. The show’s narrative is well-researched for months, and dialogues have been kept realistic to give the audience a feel of the region where the story is based, and yet have a mass appeal.

Aditi Jaltare, portrays the character ofAhilyabai Holkar said It’s encouraging to portray a character like Ahilyabai Holkar on screen. I am getting to learn new things each day and Ahilyabai’s journey is inspiring in its elf. It has instilled in me the belief that courage and determination, coupled with right guidance, can go a long way in shaping one’s future. Personally, I hope to be like her someday.

Rajesh Shringarpore, portrays the character ofMalhar Rao Holkar
At a time when there are rarely any narratives that explore the father-in-law and daughter-in-law bond on television, I am happy to be a part of historical show which brings to life a progressive story from the 18th century. There are a lot of facets to the story of Ahilyabai Holkar and her journey is inspiring. It is a pleasure to work with a team that pays attention to detail in every aspect of production and storytelling.