'If you have it, then show it'

They are the backbone of any television production. They not only conceive award winning shows but also have the foresight to gauge their potential.They also provide the moolah that keeps these shows alive and kicking for years. In this column, we speak to some of the most vibrant producers who have made shows that have set trends in the television industry and try to find out what makes them tick!

He is one patriot. Why? Because the theme of all his previous directorial ventures has been India. Be it Surabhi for Doordarshan, or Sare Jahan Se Achha for Zee TV or Good Food Guide on Star Plus; he has received accolades for all. And now, Abhilash Bhattacharya is back at making Indians proud. He's producing and directing a reality show, Shabaash India, for Zee. Sameera Kapoor meets up with this ambitious man and talks about his new project and his loyalties for the nation.

Why such a fixation for shows based only on patriotic feelings?
(Laughs) I won't call it a fixation but a way to repay what my country has given me, and I'm not trying to sound political. This patriotic feeling is ingrained in me as I was very close to my grandparents who were very much involved in our freedom movement. Our motto is genuinely to make an attempt of inculcating a sense of pride about our nation, especially in the minds of the youth, and not make profound statements about patriotism. And what better tool than media for such a mission!!!

With Shabaash India, what message do you wish to spread?
We have been nurturing a misconception that Indians do not possess the kind of talent as shown on international channels. We are one of the most populated country, so it is highly impractical to think that there is dearth of artistry among us. Through Shabaash.... I wish to break this misconception and bring out extraordinary and exceptional talents within our country. Along with this, the other objective is to stir up a sense of pride amongst the countrymen.

How did this new show happen?
It was actually Zee TV's idea. They were looking out for a concept, off the track, something on the lines of reality shows. It's then that I came up with the concept of Shabaash India, which caught their attention. They insisted that I not only produce the show but also direct it.

Its been said that this show is a rip off of the popular English show Ripley's Believe It or Not and The Guinness Book of World Records. What's your take?
I totally accept the fact that the show is heavily inspired from Ripley's....and The Guinness....However, the similarity ends there. Unlike them, Shabaash....does not stress on making or breaking any records. The idea is to promote the unknown and unspoken talents of our countrymen. We present all this in the context of our civilization and culture.

Do you think that your show will achieve the same amount of success like that of it's English counter parts?
Absolutely! In fact, I would say the success ratio is higher. Ripley's... and Guinness... are very restrictive about their selection procedure. They entertain only if a contestant is certain about creating a record and their talent is absolutely exclusive. While in my show there is no such restriction. All you require is some talent which is one of it's kinds and in turn make the audience feel proud of our nation. It's more on the lines of 'If you have it then show it'.

What kind of preparations have gone in for the show?
Any new venture involves lots of struggle. Same was the case with Shabaash India. To start with, it was very important to find the right people that fitted in the concept. We approached the Limca Book of Records, who supported us greatly. They gave us as many contacts as possible. A research team was set up, that worked for two months prior the launch of the show. We went to village fairs and similar events, and made contacts with the locals who informed us about people who possess unknown talents.

What were the difficulties faced in the process?
The biggest hassle was to convince them to come forward and showcase their talent. Also, finding their whereabouts was another taxing affair, since some of them lived in decrepit villages or in some remote corner of the country. Most of these people were gypsies, so they were always on the move. But now things have become relatively easier. Since the launch of the show, individuals have been voluntarily coming forward to show their talents in front of the camera.

As you said most of them are from interior, weren't they camera shy?
On the contrary they are all the more eager to showcase their potential. One has to understand that the camera has a mysterious power which lures people to come forward and do things which otherwise they might feel shy to do. People will do anything for that 15 second of fame. Besides these are the people who have never got a chance to showcase their talents; so for them it is a great opportunity to demonstrate their acts in front of a wide range of viewers. Nevertheless, some do feel a little overwhelmed; it's here that Hussain plays a major role. He makes them understand their importance, tells them that the show is for them and is running because of them. This boosts their confidence.

"it is highly impractical on our behalf to think that there is dearth of artistry among us... "

Coming to Hussain, what prompted you to opt for him?
We needed someone with whom the audience could connect at a interpersonal level. Someone who could instill the feeling that the show is all about them and that they are the key players. A person who can inspire the participants to come out of their shells. Hussain possesses all these qualities. He is very warm and sauve. He has the ability to make the participants believe that they are the best, and thereby boost their performance.

Since stunts are shot, what precautionary measures have been taken?
We have taken all the necessary precautions. The safety of the participant is of utmost importance. For the sake of some stunt we cannot risk the participant's life. While shooting an episode, we have, on the sets, an expert doctor to handle any eventuality. No amateurs are entertained on the show; you have to have some prior experience of performing the stunt. This reduces the risk involved to a great extent.

How many episodes have you banked?
We are ready with 20 episodes out of the 52 alloted. Going by the response that we have been receiving, I am sure of getting an extension.

How has been response been till now?
It's marvellous! In a day, our response team receives around 300-400 calls. Of these, many are those who wants to perform on our show. While there are callers from various parts of the country, who want to visit our sets and witness the live performances.