Posted:
'Nothing is OTT in my serial'
Chaya Unnikrishnan Posted online: Friday , August 29, 2008 at 1414 hrs
For the first time in seven years a show other than Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has made it to the numero uno spot. Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand had become the number one show at one point, but only for a short while. Now, Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai has sustained itself at the top for over a couple of months. What's more, last week it had notched 6.3 TRPs as per the TAM rating and the serial is yet to complete a year on air. Rajan Shahi who has directed many popular serials like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Maayka, Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan etc forayed into production with this serial under the banner Director's Kut. "This way I monitor the script, acting, editing and see that there is no gap between the creatives and shooting. I am essentially a technician who believes that the director is the captain of the ship," he smiles. What according to you has worked for Bidaai?
It is the simplicity of the show that has touched the viewer. The sincerity and honesty of the cast and crew has worked. You will not find over-the-top acting in my serial. It is extremely realistic, there's nothing fake in it. The clothes worn by my actors are simple and jell with their characters. My briefing to the team was that the characters will connect with the viewer. In some serials you will see the camera acts a lot. It suffocates even the best of actors. My camera in straight and transparent. There are no gimmicky shots. My biggest achievement is that the show is not just about the fair or the dark girl. There are many dimensions to the story and all the 20 characters have been accepted by the audience. Do you think the saas-bahu soaps are finally taking a backseat?
You cannot dismiss them. When I look at them I have a lot of respect. Balaji has a loyal audience, which has been with them for seven years. We have just made a beginning. I know how difficult it is get into the top slot and sustain it. I feel initimidated by the No.1 position. Today it is there, tomorrow it may not be there but my work starts at 7 am when I sit on the script and ends at 2 am after I see the editing. We heard you are making another soap for Star Plus which will replace Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. Is it true?
I am making another soap for the channel but I don't know the slot. In fact, even when I started Bidaai, the channel hadn't informed me which slot it would be aired. I take that as my lucky charm. Incidentally, I am also in talks with another channel for a serial. Are you aiming for films?
Yes. Next year I will be getting into co-production of films. But it is too early to take about it.
It is the simplicity of the show that has touched the viewer. The sincerity and honesty of the cast and crew has worked. You will not find over-the-top acting in my serial. It is extremely realistic, there's nothing fake in it. The clothes worn by my actors are simple and jell with their characters. My briefing to the team was that the characters will connect with the viewer. In some serials you will see the camera acts a lot. It suffocates even the best of actors. My camera in straight and transparent. There are no gimmicky shots. My biggest achievement is that the show is not just about the fair or the dark girl. There are many dimensions to the story and all the 20 characters have been accepted by the audience. Do you think the saas-bahu soaps are finally taking a backseat?
You cannot dismiss them. When I look at them I have a lot of respect. Balaji has a loyal audience, which has been with them for seven years. We have just made a beginning. I know how difficult it is get into the top slot and sustain it. I feel initimidated by the No.1 position. Today it is there, tomorrow it may not be there but my work starts at 7 am when I sit on the script and ends at 2 am after I see the editing. We heard you are making another soap for Star Plus which will replace Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. Is it true?
I am making another soap for the channel but I don't know the slot. In fact, even when I started Bidaai, the channel hadn't informed me which slot it would be aired. I take that as my lucky charm. Incidentally, I am also in talks with another channel for a serial. Are you aiming for films?
Yes. Next year I will be getting into co-production of films. But it is too early to take about it.
http://www.screenindia.com/news/Nothing-is-OTT-in-my-serial/353554/
Arjun
Cricket
