During a conversation around the series, actors KK Menon, Naveen Kasturia, Archana Puran Singh, Sameer Saxena and Himank Gaur shared personal stories that ranged from humorous classroom incidents to reflections on teachers and the education system.

For many of them, the first memory that comes to mind when thinking about school is not academics but the anticipation of the lunch break. Naveen Kasturia recalled that recess was the most exciting part of the day because it meant spending time with friends away from the classroom. He added that during those years, unit tests often felt like the biggest challenge in life, with students eagerly waiting for exams to end so they could return to their routine.

KK Menon said history was his favourite subject in school and remains an area of interest even today. He noted that his curiosity about historical events and personalities has continued well beyond his student years.

The discussion also turned to childhood dreams and career ambitions. Archana Puran Singh revealed that she initially wanted to become an air hostess. As a child, she believed the profession offered opportunities to travel around the world while enjoying an endless supply of chocolates. Later, she developed an interest in teaching and briefly imagined herself becoming a teacher.

Menon shared a more unusual aspiration. He said he had once dreamed of becoming a train driver because he was fascinated by locomotives and large machines. Watching trains move across long distances sparked his curiosity about how they were operated.

Naveen Kasturia recalled that until around Class 6, he wanted to become an actor. Although his focus later shifted toward academics and engineering entrance examinations, his interest in cinema never completely disappeared.

Memories of teachers generated some of the most animated moments of the discussion.

Sameer Saxena remembered a teacher who would line up noisy students and discipline them the moment class began. Looking back, he said those incidents now seem amusing despite appearing intimidating at the time.

Menon noted that punishments in schools during his childhood often came in different forms. Some teachers would throw chalk pieces or dusters, while others made students stand in corners or hold their ears as punishment.

Archana Puran Singh fondly remembered an English teacher who would occasionally interrupt lessons to narrate stories about Dracula and other fictional characters. Students, she said, eagerly waited for those storytelling sessions.

Saxena shared another unusual memory of a physical education teacher who spent more time narrating horror film plots than conducting sports activities.

The cast also spoke openly about examinations and the culture surrounding them. Kasturia admitted with a laugh that Physics had been one of his toughest subjects and that passing some exams felt like a significant achievement at the time.

Menon recounted an incident where a student sitting behind him copied answers from his paper during an examination. Both students eventually ended up in trouble, creating a memory that has stayed with him for years.

Beyond nostalgia, the conversation also touched upon broader issues in education.

Kasturia argued that teaching should be among the most respected professions in the country if meaningful educational reform is to happen. According to him, better recognition and compensation would encourage talented individuals to enter the profession.

Menon echoed that sentiment, saying India has historically placed great importance on teachers, but that respect needs to be reflected more strongly in modern society. He stressed that educators deserve both social recognition and economic security.

Archana Puran Singh added that education should focus not only on academic performance but also on shaping students into responsible and compassionate individuals.

The cast believes Adarsh Bal Vidyalaya aims to do more than simply entertain audiences. While the series uses humour and school-life situations, it also raises questions about students, teachers, parents and the pressures surrounding education.

According to the actors, viewers are likely to recognise parts of their own school experiences in the characters and situations portrayed on screen. They hope the show will encourage audiences to laugh, reminisce and reflect on the role education plays in shaping lives.

Taha Shah Badussha reunites with Dharma Productions for Prime Video's upcoming web series Nazdeekiyan, exploring modern relationships after his breakout role in Heeramandi.

Fresh from the acclaim he received for his portrayal of Nawab Tajdar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, actor Taha Shah Badussha has boarded Karan Johar's latest digital venture, Nazdeekiyan. The series, produced under Dharmatic Entertainment, will stream exclusively on Prime Video.

Rising Star's Next Move

Taha Shah Badussha headlines the project alongside Paresh Pahuja, Aakanksha Singh, and Nikita Dutta. Sources indicate the ensemble cast brings together performers known for nuanced roles in contemporary dramas.

Dharma Reunion After Years

For Taha Shah Badussha, teaming up with Karan Johar marks a return to the Dharma fold. He previously appeared in Dharma's Gippi and Baar Baar Dekho. The actor described the collaboration as a full-circle moment in his career.

Story Centred on Modern Bonds

Nazdeekiyan delves into the complexities of relationships in today's world. The narrative follows two married couples whose lives intertwine when workplace colleagues Seher and Abhay spark a connection that draws their spouses, Ved and Meera, into an intense emotional bond. Caught between duty and desire, the characters grapple with choices that could upend their families.

Reports suggest the series draws inspiration from Karan Johar's 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which examined extramarital connections and marital dissatisfaction. The web format allows deeper exploration of these layered themes.

Directed by Ruchir Arun

Ruchir Arun directs the series, working from a script by Priyanka Bannerjee, Prateek Payodi, Abhinandan Sridhar, and Heem Verma, with dialogues by Preeti Mamgain. Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, the project was unveiled as part of Prime Video India's recent content slate.

Taha Shah's Excitement

Taha Shah Badussha expressed enthusiasm about the shift in genre. According to statements, he looks forward to exploring fresh emotional territory after the period grandeur of Heeramandi. “Working with Dharma again feels special,” he noted, highlighting the project's meaningful scripts and vision.

From Heeramandi to New Horizons

His role as Nawab Tajdar in Heeramandi earned widespread praise and nominations, elevating his profile in the industry. The Netflix series introduced him to a global audience through Bhansali's signature opulent storytelling.

This new collaboration with Johar positions him in a modern, relatable space. Industry observers see it as strategic, capitalising on his rising popularity.

Impact on OTT Landscape

Nazdeekiyan adds to the growing lineup of relationship-driven stories on Indian streaming platforms. It reflects a trend towards bold narratives addressing personal conflicts amid societal expectations. Prime Video continues to invest in original content featuring established and emerging talent.

What's Next for the Project

Production details remain under wraps, with no official release date announced yet. Fans anticipate more updates as the series moves towards completion.

Nazdeekiyan promises to bring Taha Shah Badussha's evolving range to the forefront in Karan Johar's digital space.