MUMBAI: Contrary to popular perception that Raamkhilavaan C.M. n Family is inspired by Laloo Prasad Yadav and his family, Vineet Kumar, who plays Raamkhilavaan, Sushmita Mukherjee, who plays Imarti Devi and the writer- producer Aswani Dheer, all strongly refute suggestions that the shown is inspired by the maverick former chief minister of Bihar.

"Basically we wanted to make a political satire. It's sheer coincidence that the characters are similar to his family members," says Aswani. Probed further, he says rather exasperatedly: "Just because the hairstyle of Raamkhilavaan and Lalooji is similar, one shouldn't jump to conclusions that the character is inspired by Laloo. Tomorrow, if I show a politician with a French beard, you will say the character is inspired by IK Gujral."

One understands that this kind of a sharp rebuttal is a conscious attempt by the producer to steer clear of possible controversies his satire might generate. After all, the similarities are far too striking to escape people's attention.

Both Vineet Kumar and Sushmita Mukherjee also denied they had in mind Laloo's or Rabri's character while enacting the role. Sushmita says the brief that was given to her was to play a loud mouth ignorant "chammak challo" kind of Bihari housewife and that that was the only instruction she had in mind in preparing for her role.

Whether Ramkhilavaan is inspired by Laloo or not, one welcomes this bold political satire as a refreshing change from the same "formula" sitcoms that other channels have churning out. One just hopes it meets the success of Office Office.