Ekta Kapoor: Parvati Bhabi is my favourite bahu

Whenever a television serial is not doing well, Ekta Kapoor [Images] uses one of her trump cards -- the generation leap.

It has been done many times before in soaps like Kasauti Zindagi Kay, Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai, Kesar and of course, Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

The latest addition to the list is Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. The serial, which has been under threat from Sony's reality show Big Boss aired in the same time slot, has resorted to another generation leap.

To enhance the show further, Balaji Telefilms [Get Quote] has also resorted to a complete makeover of one of India's most popular bahus, Parvati Bhabi, played by Sakshi Tanwar [Images].

Actress-turned-producer Aroona Irani has also joined the cast of Kahaani...

Ekta Kapoor explains, "I feel a leap is required in any long-running serial. When we show the entire life of a person, it becomes monotonous beyond a point. That is when a leap is required. And this is the right time for Kahaani to take a leap."

The 18-year-old leap will take place in tonight's show, and Parvati will turn 60 with an all-new glamorous look.

Ekta continues, "Undoubtedly, Parvati Bhabi is my favourite bahu among my serials. Please don't construe this as a competition between Smriti Irani [Images] (who plays Tulsi in Kyun Ki...) and Sakshi Tanwar -- I am referring to the characters only. I can relate much more to Parvati. This is a much-needed leap and makeover. But we, of course, will retain the old flavour of the serial and its characters."

Ekta then warns us, "Everyone in the audience who is a Parvati fan will be in for a shock!"

Parvati bhabi's makeover will be done by Manish Malhotra, who also worked in Balaji's Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai.

"They are the best production house in the Indian television industry. So when Ekta called me, I couldn't say no for a makeover for Parvati," Malhotra says.

Ekta and Shobha Kapoor briefed Malhotra on Parvati's makeover. "I wanted to give her a western look," he adds. "But they wanted an Indian look. So we designed the perfect combination between Western and Indian. Let me clarify that the new look will not make Parvati sexy, but it will suit the new role."

Malhotra first worked on Parvati's hair and opted for straight hair. "For the saris, I thought of soft, pastel shades which would suit Sakshi. And despite the fact that Parvati will look very different from the way she has been shown in the last six years, the audience will love it," he says.

Meanwhile, Sakshi is very excited and nervous about the makeover. "Earlier, it would take 45 minutes for my makeup. Now, it's double the time!" Sakshi exclaims. "I am as excited and nervous as I was on the first day of shooting for Kahaani� It is a big risk too, as Parvati has become iconic. The badi bahu of the Agarwal family can never do wrong. I hope she is proved right this time as well!"

Kahaani Ghar Ghai Kii is aired at 10 pm from Monday to Thursday on Star Plus.