Keeping Up Appearances exported

The BBC has exported suburban sitcom Keeping Up Appearances to India.

The show is to be remade for the subcontinental market, and renamed Kauva Chala Hans Ki Chaal ­ "the crow who tries to walk like a peacock".

And the setting will switch from Leamington Spa for Bombay for the Hindi show, which could reach and audience of 40 million.

Producer Sunil Shanbag told the Guardian: "The show is set to change the way comedy is perceived in India.

"We hope the series will firmly establish that comedy need not depend on someone slipping on a banana skin, but can have well-plotted scripts, rich characters, and genuinely funny situations."

The new 26-part series will be screened by cable and satellite channel Star Plus from next month.

The BBC has previously sold Yes Minister to be remade for the Indian market.

Published: 24 Feb 2003