In today's TV scene, the sword is always hanging on your head : Yash Patnaik
He started out with Fireworks Productions and went on to start his own, Beyond Dreams Productions. Yash Patnaik is on a high with his current show Rang Badalti Odhani recently completed 150 episodes on Star One. TellyChakkar caught up with him to know more about his future plans'
Starting with Rang Badalti Odhani, the show has been doing well despite a slow start. What do you think has worked now?
When the channel called us for Geet and Rang Badalti Odhani, they had plans of making shows for mainstream GEC masses. We had a strong story. However, I think initially it did not go well with the Star One audience. But slowly as the characters developed, the storyline progressed, the scene shifted to Mumbai from Bhuj, the viewers slowly began liking it. The gloss and the urban take worked for us.
Did you change the storyline when there was a dip in the ratings? Also was the story originally thought of with a romantic flavour?
Yes, initially, it was a romantic show. We and the channel worked towards this. However now the show is not just romance but also has a humour element to it. We have stuck to the same storyline and nothing has affected it. The channel has also believed in us and the truth is that the show has been accepted by the audiences. Fans have hounded me on social networking sites; it's humbling but slightly embarrassing too.
Was the story originally planned as a love triangle? You did make a few changes like the face of Natasha was changed after a few weeks. What went wrong there?
The entire story was about Shaan and Khanak. The story was never supposed to be in Bhuj, since the guy is from Mumbai, the scene had to be shifted here. Suraj's character was used as a backdrop. He was meant to be a lovable and affectionate character, who people would love. When his character dies we wanted him to get the sympathy along with Khanak which happened. So that was planned.
As far as Natasha is concerned, Priyanka was always our first choice. However as the story and the character progressed the channel felt we needed someone more mature to play her. We wanted to bring a contrast in Khanak's and Natasha's characters. So we got Rucha Gujrati in.
How difficult is it to make shows in this competitive phase of TV?
You have asked this question to the right person (laughs). It is extremely competitive today. Reduced attention span, waiting time has been reduced; the channels don't wait anymore so there is always a sword hanging on your head. Now how you duck it is the skill. The right creative team is what you need and I am lucky in that respect. There are absolutely no clashes; no one walks out from the sets. Luck is also an important factor. If luck doesn't favour you it gets very difficult.
Talking about the luck factor, do you think you were a tad unlucky with Jamunia?
Yes, I think so. There was a problem with the lead girl; unfortunately she fell ill. The show was doing fairly well. The story was good and viewers liked it however when my story moved forward where Jamunia moves into the sasural, she fell ill. We were unable to replace her and so the show had to be pulled off air.
You have introduced many faces in your shows, is it a conscious decision to use new talent?
I have always chosen a mix of newcomers and a few faces that have been re launched. The idea is to bring in people with passion, not those who come, deliver their lines and go away. Yes, so we have introduced fresh faces like Yashashree Masurkar, Dakssh Ajit Singh, Abhijit Satam and a few known faces like Mahesh Manjrekar, Sudhanshu Pandey.
What are the areas you need to look at the current one soap versus another scene?
I think characters, casting and story are extremely important. Unlike films, you don't look at TV in the entirety. In some 200 episodes, we have 20 minutes to bring forth the storyline. TV is all about the moments between the characters, how they interact with each other is what is important.
You have been associated with BP Singh and Fireworks productions for almost seven years now; didn't you want to venture into the thriller/mystery genre as well?
Honestly, I did not want to replicate. BPji has a different identity and I have my own identity. Even when I was with Fireworks, I used to do things differently. I did not want to eat into his space. I have my integrity in place. Money was never an issue with me. I had always thought of a different company and venture into newer genres. I have my feature film, Kaalo lined up. As a company I do not want to get typecast.
New genres like reality shows?
Reality is a different ball game altogether. We can create but don't know how to sell. Right now we have too much in our pockets to look at reality shows. But you never know'
Coming back to Odhani, Karan and Yashashree have become extremely popular as Shaan and Khanak. Comment.
They are wonderful actors and extremely hard working. They practice their scenes a lot. Yashashree has polished her skills. She is a perfectionist even Karan for that matter. We call them by their character names not by their real names.
Future projects'
We have a few lined up. We are working on a few concepts but it will take a few months before anything is finalized. Whatever it is, will be fiction.
