MUMBAI: Sanjay Khan's Numero Uno International Limited (NUIL), is launching two mega serials under its banner during the next week on DD National.

Maharathi Karna, a portrayal of the Mahabharata from the viewpoint of Karna, throws light on the life of this unsung hero adding a new perspective to this epic tale. The other serial, 1857 - Kranti, tells the story of Indias first war of independence. Both serials, directed by Khan himself, will be telecast on Doordarshan National. Maharathi Karna will be telecast every Wednesday and Thursday starting January 1, 2003 between 9 and 9.30 pm and 1857 - Kranti is to be telecast from December 29, 2002 onwards every Sunday between 11 and noon.

Khan, whose last offering Mahabharat on Zee TV last October was touted as the most expensive serial till date, has plans to go regional in the near future. According to an official release, the production house is toying with the idea of more acquisitions in languages other than Hindi and in-house productions for private channels. NUIL has also started operations in London to focus on international business opportunities where it plans to co produce with acclaimed production houses such as Hallmark Entertainment and Yorkshire Television, UK. 

Formed in 1991-92, Numero Uno is responsible for historical and mythological programmes like The Sword of Tipu Sultan, The Great Maratha and Jai Hanuman. Since 1999, the company has started n-house marketing activities and acquisition and marketing of programmes other than its own, on Doordarshan and Sun TV.