In an interview to Mirror (June 6), Amitabh Bachchan, who is gearing up for the ninth season of KBC, admitted that he'd like to do more TV.

Now,Mirror has learnt that the actor will be featuring in a 52-episode animated series, Astra Force, which revolves around a mythical superhero stranded on earth after an epic space battle, and a pair of eight-year-old twins who hide him from their parents, teach him about video games and ice cream, and join him to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats. The series airs in 2017.

Sharad Devarajan, CEO and cofounder of Graphic India has been closely working with the actor on his character whose name, Astra, is derived from the mythical weapons of yore. He recalls approaching Bachchan with five completely different visions and characters. "He picked this one of the wise mentor and protector as it is most identifiable with his paternal brand and majestic persona. Over the last six months, he has offered his creative inputs to developing the character, the art work and the story as a whole," says Sharad.

For him and Jeevan J Kang, the head visual artist and producer, Bachchan was the obvious choice not just for his connect with kids but also because of the cinematic history he shares with their parents. The idea is to unify families. "Presenting Indian families with interesting stories and engaging concepts is at the heart of what we do on the Disney network. And this action-adventure comedy series with its unique storyline, is another exciting step in that direction. Mr. Bachchan stepping out in an animated avatar for the first time on TV just makes it that much more special," says Siddharth Roy Kapur, MD, Disney India.

Point out that Indian animation doesn't have a big audience with only The Jungle Book and Chota Bheem finding favour with the kiddy crowd, and Sharad retorts, "Just because we haven't been as successful as the West doesn't mean we can't. Yes, even Mr Bachchan admitted that his grandchildren mostly watch Doremon. If Japan as a country can entertain our kids, why not India which has always been a nation of great storytellers? Astra Force is uniquely Indian which will reach out to a worldwide audience." Two years ago, Amitabh was seen as animated Bheeshma in the film Mahabharat.