She is the writer whose words reach the maximum number of Indians every day. With Dulhan, Maayka, Ambar Dhara, Choona Hai Aasman, Santaan and now Kasturi — what Mrinal Jha writes is what India watches each night. Since 1993 she has had more than 5,000 episodes telecast. This prolific writer is the better half of author couple Al Raines.
Q You started as a programme strategist; how did you turn to writing scripts for TV serials?
I started as a copywriter in 1994, the same year as my husband Abhigyan and I wrote the novel November Rain. Satellite TV was happening just then, and I suppose people assumed that we could write. Our first script was for a kids' quiz show.
Q The supernatural is a recurring theme in all your writings. Why aren't there more programmes on it when people are so interested?
I have written supernatural stuff like Mano Ya Na Mano besides using the theme in our novels and film Sacred Evil. The unfortunate bit is that there is too much soap happening and very little of anything else. Probably lack of foresight on behalf of the channels.
Q You have written for serials like Rajni where each episode had a definite message. How different is this genre?
The writing obviously is different. There is more satisfaction while writing for an individual episode. Soaps are like volumes — you have to keep going on new tracks.
Q As a creative person how does it feel to be dictated to by TRPs and channels?
TRPs are a good thing because you know what people are watching and whether they are getting entertained. It is great to know that your soaps are watched by crores of people. When you write a bad story TRPs fall. I still feel that channels should trust the writer because one person's conviction in the story has to be followed through.
Q What is the most challenging part of story or character that you have had to write?
Every show at some point turns critical. The two lead characters in the soap Dulhan Banoo Main Teri have now been killed by the vamp. You have to be very sure of what you are doing because once you kill them you can't bring them back. These changes are sometimes done to raise TRPs, but Dulhan was right at its peak when it happened and nothing was done out of desperation. Then killing Tulsi some time back when I used to write for Kyunki was also critical.
Q Most memorable, character/ scene?
I think it would have to be Ramola Sikand of Kahin Kissi Roz. She gave a whole new meaning to the term vamp. Her dress sense, dialogues are all still remembered and she's become iconic.
Q People recognise actors, not writers? Have you come across people discussing your stories without recognising you?
I have come across people discussing both Kahin Kissi Roz and Dulhan without realising I'd written them. When Ramola was being blackmailed, everyone wanted to know who was doing it, but I never confessed that I was behind the whole story.
Q What are you working on currently? Will the supernatural feature in your works?
I've just finished writing our third book Soul Search Engine with my husband. Yes, there would be some element of the supernatural in future projects also.
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