, Paresh Rawal has added another feather to his cap. The veteran actor has turned TV producer. His first offering as producer is a tri-weekly laugh riot-Shubh Mangal Savadhan that starts telecast from 15 July on Sahara TV. 

Apart from this sitcom, Rawal's Playtime Creation is also working on three other projects - a soap, a religious thriller and another comedy. All these projects are likely to be on air in the next one year, Rawal says. Gradually, the company also plans to foray into tele films and then films. But isn't the company being overly ambitious, given the state of the industry? "Well turning TV producer was no doubt, a tougher experience than my struggle to make it as an actor," Rawal says, only half in jest.

At a press conference called to launch the serial, the veteran actor was at his witty best.

Asked why he chose marriage as the topic of his first serial, Raval replied: "Shaadi has got maximum spice compared to any other event." But then why is he cautioning people - Savadhan - against marriage? "Well, I felt it was my responsibility to caution people against treading the path we took and suffered," Raval replied.

Raval's fans will however be disappointed to know that he will not be starring in the serial as he feels his present movie commitments will not allow him sufficient time to act in TV serials. 

On his choice of Sahara TV, Raval said it was a rapidly growing channel that had been immensely receptive and supportive to them. 

Playtime also started a trend of sorts by also launching the website devoted exclusively to the serial - www.smsthecomedy.com