ARY Digital launches Balaji Telefilms production Khwaish - entirely shot and produced in the UAE

Khwaish is a mega soap produced by Balaji Telefilms, one of the most successful media production houses and the largest fiction-based television content provider in India.

After the great success of productions like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahanni Ghar Ghar Ki, Kusumm, Kasauti ZIndagi Ki, Kasam Se and many more serials that have become an integral part of Indian households. Khwaish seems set to follow in these flourishing footsteps, as the tale is customized to ethnicity and traditions to suit those of viewers in Middle East, Pakistan and India.

Khwaish will air its first episode for Middle East audiences at 8.30 pm, UAE time, Monday, September 3, 2007.

Speaking on the airing of Khwaish, Mr. Yasar Khan, Senior Vice President - Middle East and Network Acquisitions, ARY Digital Network said: "Khwaish is a programme made by the people who have revolutionized this genre of TV viewing amongst South Asians and now we are proud to introduce this an international project specially made from the lifestyle and customs of viewers in the region."

"We are proud to have furthered our growth into the international markets outside of India, said Mr. R Karthik, CEO, Balaji Telefilms Limited.

He added: "This show gives us an opportunity to create a production that is closer to home for audiences in the Middle East and Pakistan, something they can feel a part of."

Khwaish, has been shot and produced entirely in the UAE. It is the first large scale production of its kind to be produced in the region for South Asian audiences.

This Balaji Telefilms production comprises of a cross border mix of renowned stars and newcomers Priya Ashok Bathija as Afreen and Syed Yasir Shah a new talent cast from Pakistan as Azaan. Anju Mahendru, Indraneel Bhattacharya, Sumeet Sachdav, lend their talents in vital roles. Along with Mohammad Behzaad Khan, Ekta Sharma, Aradhana Uppal, Avinash Vijaykumar Sachdev, Zarin Roshan Anwar Khan.

A masterpiece of family entertainment Khwaish is the tale of a young girl named "Afreen" who belongs to a middle class family. Being the eldest daughter of the family, responsibilities fall directly on her shoulders when her elder brother settles separately and her father is forced to retire. With great composure, she copes with these new challenges in her life but not without worrying about her own future.