Mumbai, 24 October (H.S.): The extraordinary life of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, is set to reach audiences in a new format with Kuku TV, a microdrama platform, unveiling a historical series titled “Babasaheb”.

The series focuses on Ambedkar’s formative years, highlighting his struggle to pursue education amid caste-based discrimination, social inequality and financial hardship. Before emerging as a national leader and constitutional visionary, Ambedkar endured deeply entrenched social prejudices that shaped his outlook and determination to challenge discriminatory practices.

Inspired by his autobiographical work “Waiting for a Visa”, the series draws on historical events to portray his struggles and trace the development of his ideas. It seeks to bring into focus the experiences that influenced his pursuit of education and his determination to overcome the barriers imposed by society.

At the heart of “Babasaheb” is the idea of education as a powerful instrument of social transformation. Despite economic constraints and restrictive social conventions, young Bhimrao’s unwavering determination to acquire knowledge emerges as a defining force in his journey. His departure for the United States in 1913 to pursue higher education forms a significant milestone in the narrative.

Five actors portray different stages of Ambedkar’s life in the series. National Award-winning filmmaker Jayant Somalkar is also associated with the production. Shirish Pawar, known for his association with the film “Court”, plays Ramji Sakpal, Ambedkar’s father, while Snehalata Tagde, an alumna of the National School of Drama, portrays Jijabai Sakpal.

Veteran actor Rajesh Bhosale appears as educationist Krishnaji Keshav Keluskar, who played an important role in Ambedkar’s early intellectual journey. Sachit Puranik, the series’ creative producer, also makes a guest appearance.

The cast members have additionally lent their voices to couplets by the poet-saint Kabir and a folk song, adding a cultural dimension to the storytelling.

A distinctive feature of the microdrama is its contemporary visual treatment, which combines performances by real actors with environments and visuals generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The technology has been employed to recreate the historical setting and bring the social conditions of Ambedkar’s formative years to life on screen.

Despite the use of AI-generated imagery, the production places its central emphasis on human struggle, characterisation and the actors’ performances, seeking to present Ambedkar’s early life in an accessible format for modern audiences.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar