MUMBAI: Even as its heartwarming family drama Ashok Ma.Ma. notches up 100 episodes on Colors Marathi, producer Bodhitree Multimedia has announced plans to fatten its coffers through a Rs 4,443 lakh rights issue opening next month.
The popular Marathi show, which stars veteran actor Ashok Saraf as a disciplined retiree thrust into guardianship of his three grandchildren after a family tragedy, has captivated audiences with its emotional journey from strict grandfather to doting "Ma.Ma." (grandpa).
"At Bodhitree Multimedia, we have always believed in telling stories that create impact and build human emotions," gushed Mautik Tolia, founder and managing director of the production house, seemingly oblivious to the fact that most stories do precisely that.
While celebrating the milestone, Bodhitree is also looking to beef up its balance sheet. The company's rights issue committee yesterday approved a record date of March 24 for its forthcoming cash call, which will see eligible shareholders offered four new shares for every nine currently held.
The Rs 8 per share offer opens on April 15 and closes on April 28, with the company seeking to issue 55,537,777 fresh equity shares. The move follows board approval last May for a rights issue worth up to Rs 4,500 lakh.
Back on screen, Ashok's evolution from solitary disciplinarian to loving guardian has struck a chord with Marathi viewers. His initially frosty relationship with headstrong, wealthy Bhairavi (played by Rasika Wakharkar)—who starts as the children's preferred guardian before unexpectedly becoming his daughter-in-law—provides the emotional heart of the show.
"Ashok is a multifaceted character, with his own set of complexities, emotions and layers," noted Saraf with the kind of actorly insight that suggests he's been reading his own press releases. "I feel immense pride in portraying a character who has connected so well with the viewers."
Whether investors will feel similarly connected to Bodhitree's forthcoming share offering remains to be seen. The company's stock currently trades under the ticker BTML on the National Stock Exchange and 543767 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
