Aatish Kapadia's Khichdi 2 set for TV premiere, reveals Hansa's character is based on his own mother - Exclusive

Diwali is just a few hours away and amidst all the celebrations, fans of Khichdi have something more to look forward to. Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan is all set to have its premiere on Television.

In an exclusive interview with Money Control, writer of Khichdi 2 and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, Aatish Kapadia shared the excitement surrounding the television premiere of Khichdi 2: Mission Panthokistan on Zee Cinema on November 3.

Aatish Kapadia reminisced about how people have been eagerly awaiting the television premiere since it released in theaters last Diwali. He said, "Many people have been asking me, 'When is it coming?' They’re marking the date, especially because it's Diwali season. Some even started noting it on their phones."

The original Khichdi series has been a massive hit since its TV debut, especially in regions like Gujarat and Mumbai.

Aatish Kapadia agreed that while the movie wasn't an instant hit initially, it gradually grew into a huge phenomenon. "Khichdi grew into something big over time. So people think Khichdi 2 isn’t as great, but that’s just perception, not reality," he explained.

Aatish also shared anecdotes about the characters that have become household names. Hansa's character, played by veteran actress Supriya Pathak, was inspired by his own mother, Seema. He said his mother was from a very wealthy family and her mannerisms, look - like his mother would also put a gajra in her hair and was alwaya dressed in best of sarees and jewellery. But unlike Hansa, his mother 'wasn't 'kamchor' but she didn't know any household work', he laughed.

"She wasn’t lazy or clueless, but she was someone who didn’t know how to work. That innocence and naivety, combined with beauty and a carefree attitude—those are the traits I added to Hansa," he revealed.

Hansa's brother Himanshu became an integral part of the show and then movie. The role was played by actor-director JD Majethia, who is also the producer of the show and head of Hats Off Production.

Aatish also revealed that a very popular actor was offered the role of Himanshu but after he rejected the role for it being too small, he asked JD to play the role of Himanshu.

"JD took over and made the role his own. It became so popular that the network wanted Himanshu to stay on," Aatish said. . In Khichdi 2, the movie takes on an exaggerated, animated feel, almost like Tom and Jerry, where everything is over-the-top.

When asked how did Parminder's character took form, to this Aatish said Parminder’s character came from the desire to portray Punjabis, especially Sikhs, more dynamically. "We named everyone Parminder, which leads to hilarious moments of confusion," Kapadia laughed.

Aatish Kapadia's self-deprecating humour and focus on social commentary are evident in both Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. In Sarabhai, he became famous as 'kachcha kela' and it became iconic.

Rosesh's intentionally terrible poetry added to the show's charm. "We always try to make jokes that don’t insult others but focus on self-mockery," he said.

Aatish Kapadia also hinted at a possible collaboration between Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai in the near future but said it is not possible right now as all the lead actors including Rupali Ganguly are very busy with their other work committments.

"For now, Rupali is busy, Satish Shah is traveling, and others are engaged in various projects. But one day, we might bring everyone together again."

With a legacy that continues to grow, this Diwali, fans are ready to welcome the Khichdi family back into their homes once again.

World Television Premiere of Khichdi 2 on Sunday, 3rd November at 8 PM on Zee Cinema.