Although Star Plus claims that their upcoming show Dil Bole Oberoi is a spin off on the original Ishqbaaz series, the truth is somewhere in the middle. With most new Star Plus properties not really working on the TRP front, the channel has been in a quandary.The only saving grace for them has been Ishqbaaz starring Nakkul Mehta, Kunal Kulbhushan Jaisingh & Leenesh Mattoo, which has shown growth over time.

In a bid to maximize the Ishqbaaz brand, the channel has decided to make the show one hour in an attempt to lift ratings for the 10.30 pm slot as well (POW has failed). However, the fear was, if you say Ishqbaaz runs for one hour, audiences might run away  thinking who will invest one hour. Hence, the use of fancy words like spin off. 

The positive side of an effective one hour run time is that  makers get  enough space for all three Oberoi brothers, which was not possible earlier. Here the emphases will be on the love equation between Omkara & Gauri played by  Shrenu Parekh. The latter has replaced Vrushika Mehta, who earlier played Gauri. 

- Anil Merani