Ravi Adhikari Outlines Plans to Revive Classic TV Shows and Use AI for Shrimaan Shrimati
Ravi Adhikari, Chairman of Sri Adhikari Brothers (SAB) Television Network Ltd, has announced plans to reboot several of the network’s legacy television shows, including Suraag, Yes Boss, and an artificial intelligence-assisted revival of the popular comedy Shrimaan Shrimati.
What Happened
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ravi Adhikari, son of the late media pioneer Gautam Adhikari, confirmed that the company is tapping into its intellectual property library to reintroduce past television successes to modern audiences. The media house, which holds rights to most of its classic catalogue, noted strong continuous engagement with legacy content on digital platforms like YouTube, where titles like Suraag and Shrimaan Shrimati remain high performers.
Among the projects, a refreshed version titled Suraag 2.0 is already prepared, featuring actors Sudesh Berry and Sai Ketan Rao. Conversations are also underway to bring back Commander, historically recognized as the first serial broadcast on Zee TV, as well as efforts to revive Yes Boss and Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle.
For the cult sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati, the production house plans to leverage artificial intelligence to develop fresh episodes featuring late cast members Jatin Kanakia and Reema Lagoo. Adhikari confirmed that family consent will be secured before moving forward with their AI-generated likenesses. The network also aims to utilize AI on older fantasy and mythological programming like Brahma Vishnu Mahesh and Alif Laila, blending preserved original audio with newly generated visuals.
Key Highlights
- Suraag 2.0 Ready: The investigative drama reboot stars Sudesh Berry alongside Sai Ketan Rao.
- AI-Driven Reboots: Shrimaan Shrimati is being developed with AI to include deceased stars Jatin Kanakia and Reema Lagoo, subject to approval from their families.
- Additional Titles: Discussions are ongoing for new iterations of Commander, Yes Boss, and Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle.
- Platform Partnerships: SAB is collaborating on AI content creation with the Stage app, a regional storytelling platform backed by investor Neeraj Chopra.
- Visual Refurbishment: Original audio tracks from fantasy titles such as Alif Laila and Brahma Vishnu Mahesh will be matched with fresh AI-rendered visuals.
Why This Matters
Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Ltd holds a historic role in Indian broadcasting, being the first media company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and pioneering private satellite programming. The network’s move represents a major testing ground for how Indian entertainment companies approach legacy intellectual property through emerging technologies. Rather than only remaking formats with completely new casts, the approach uses AI to digitally reconstruct late performers, establishing a legal and technical precedent that requires clear prompts, consent mechanisms from estates, and hybrid production workflows.
What to Watch Next
Developments will hinge on the release timeline for the completed Suraag 2.0 and formal consent agreements with the families of Jatin Kanakia and Reema Lagoo. Further announcements are also anticipated regarding delivery formats and distribution agreements for the AI content being produced in collaboration with the Stage regional platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the revival of these classic shows?
Ravi Adhikari, Chairman of SAB Television Network Ltd and son of the late co-founder Gautam Adhikari, is overseeing the projects.
Which actors will appear in Suraag 2.0?
The rebooted series stars Sudesh Berry and Sai Ketan Rao.
How will Shrimaan Shrimati be produced without the original cast?
The network intends to use artificial intelligence to recreate late actors Jatin Kanakia and Reema Lagoo for new episodes, following formal consent from their families.
Source: Based on an interview published by Bollywood Hungama.