Q Is Virrudh primarily a story highlighting a constant conflict between father and daughter?
We all have desires and dreams in life. As we grow up we look up to one person in the family and start idolising him or her even though they aren't perfect. Virrudh is the story of Vasudha who idolises her father though he is calculating, corrupt and even mean when it comes to safeguarding his business interests. Essentially it is a story of relationships in a contemporary rich family where the protagonist is a loser. We have portrayed certain relationships where there is an undercurrent of conflict. In fact, no relationship is complete without a conflict.
Q Does Virrudh have regular elements of a daily soap?
What are the regular elements? Virrudh has a family; it has relationships, tears, conflict, clash of personalities and ideology. It has strong and weak characters. It is as real as any other contemporary television content.
Q But it definitely looks different in terms of characterization and treatment as well as pace of the story. How confident are you of sticking to the original format?
We will ensure that it remains this way. My writers are adamant that we will not deviate from the format we have chosen to tell our story.
Q But at the end of the day the TRPs determine everything. If TRPs don't come in will you resist the pressure to tell your story in a popularly accepted format?
TRPs are very important. There is no taking away from the fact that the television business is all about entertainment and eyeballs and both go hand-in-hand. But I also believe in certain convictions. It's the way you look at your show and how convinced you are about it. I see TV in a transitory phase and as a maker and actor it's very heartening. Good products always gets good eyeballs.
Q Why did you pitch Virrudh at Sony and not Star Plus?
Certain stories can be placed in certain channels only because they get picked up easily at certain places. I had written this story about a year back and waited for the right channel and slot. My next show, which is for Zee, is absolutely different from Virrudh.
Q Why did you cast Sushant Singh opposite you and not a popular television actor?
Sushant is more concerned about the subject and his role. He doesn't get titillated by money. Of course he is quite busy in films but he was willing to walk the extra mile for this role.
Q With this show you will be busy with two dailies and one weekly. How will you manage all of it?
It's not difficult at all. Before coming for the interview I attended the shoot of one of my shows. I also cooked a meal in the morning (smiles). Things can be managed if you know how to manage them.
Q Do you cook regularly?
I cook at least one meal everyday. But from the last three days my servant has not been reporting to work so I have been cooking all the three meals.
Q As a producer what kind of shows are you looking at making?
I am open to all kinds of concepts . It all depends on the channel's requirement. I am even ready with a reality show and am waiting for the right slot.
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