Getting a time slot proved to be quite a task for Shakuntalam Telefilms show Maa. First it was meant to be an afternoon show, then it was said that Maa will air at 11.00 pm. When the smoke cleared, Maa eventually occupied the 7.00 pm slot on Zee TV.

Critics believed that a show which has superstar Amarr Upadhyay should have been given a better time slot. After all, getting enough viewers to watch a 7.00 pm show is always difficult. However, Maa has thus far done a commendable job, drawing a more than respectful average TVR of 1.3. However, the loyal viewers now demand a change in time slot for their favourite show.

In the last two days, Tellychakkar has been inundated with fan mails urging the channel and the production house to change Maa’s time slot to 9.00 pm so that it will improve the TRPs of the show. According to these fans, 7.00 pm is a bit too early. Many of them are also claim that the show doesn’t air in US and Canada.

So, can the concerned authorities adhere to the wish of its loyal viewers?

Creative head Animesh says, “Well, we’re really pleased to receive such a response from the viewers. This is testimony to the fact that our show has been doing well. However, time slot is something that is of more concern to the channel and not us. Our only focus is to provide good content. Thus far we’ve done that and it’s a challenge to keep this momentum going. Besides, the show has been generating good ratings in the 7.00 pm slot. This strategy is yielding results thus I don’t think Zee will like to change it.”

However, actor Vineet Raina disagrees with the creative head. “Firstly, I’m shocked to learn of this fan request. It’s really overwhelming to hear about it. I personally agree with the fans that the show’s time slot should indeed be changed. A lot of my friends and family too have said that they find 7.00 pm too early. Besides, the housewives may be out for a walk or at the market at that point of time. A better time slot will only ensure better ratings.”

Defending their decision to place Maa at 7.00 pm, Zee TV programming head Ajay Bhalwankar says, “It’s a good sign that Maa is evoking such response from the viewers. However, I see no reason to change the time slot. It’s never so much about the time lot but if the show is good people will watch it. Prior to the success of Kyunki.. and Kahaani.., not many thought that 10 and 10.30 pm will be the ideal viewing slots. Similarly, people felt the same about the 7.00 and 7.30 pm slots, but Maa and Choti Bahu have proved all that wrong. We’re confident that the ratings will improve further thereby only increasing our viewership. As for Maa not airing in US or Cananda, I don’t think that’s true.”