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"Quitting Zee was a difficult decision"
He joined Zee TV in June 1992 as an editor and as part of the channel's core team that worked on the channel's launch in October that year. Gajendra Singh played a key role in designing the channel's look and personality. In September 1993, he launched Antakshiri that went on to become Zee's channel-driver for several years. Singh's second show Sa Re Ga Ma was launched in May 1994 which again made it to the top of the TRP charts. After working with the channel for 14-and-a-half years, he quit Zee last week. Here he talks about why he left Zee and his future plans Why have you quit Zee?
After a long innings with Zee I had to move on in life and career to explore new things and get into new ventures. There is a lot to do than just keep making two programmes. Of course music-based reality shows are my forte but besides making musical shows I had to do something else for my own growth as a professional. Something else like...?
I want to make films. I would not like to call them small budget but sensible and meaningful films which will go with my sensibilities. Is this the sole reason for quitting? Or is there more to it? It's being said that your shows were not being given due importance because Zee is focusing more on fiction.
I had a wonderful experience working with Zee which had become a family for me. But when you are part of a family there are bound to be ups and downs. Small issues keep cropping up from time to time though I had cordial relations with everyone. I wanted to do something more and therefore had to move on to explore and take up new challenges. Wasn't it possible for you to attempt the new ventures without quitting?
No, it was not possible there. I don't think I would have been able to do what I want to do without quitting Zee. I needed a strong platform to show my talent and attempt new ventures. That support and appreciation was not there which I found elsewhere. You mean STAR Plus?
I am a freelancer now and will produce shows under my own banner Saibaba Telefilms. I can make programmes for any channel but yes STAR Plus has shown interest in my shows.
Will the new shows be on the lines of Antakshiri and Sa Re Ga Ma?
My forte is music. So, obviously I will be making something on music. But the shows I will make now will take the genre of programming I am associated with to a different and higher level. I am not going to repeat myself. However, I am not into the business of programme making. More than business, it's my profession and passion. At any given time I would not like to make more than two shows. When will your first show come on air? Is it going to be on STAR Plus?
As soon as possible. If STAR approaches me for a show I will do one. Rumour has it that it is STAR Plus that is fishing for your shows?
I would not like to comment on that. But definitely one quits a job when other avenues open up. When are you going to make your first film?
The script is ready. The story is by Haseena Moin (from Pakistan). I have approached Ismail Darbar to do the music. Once I settle down I will start working on the film.
He joined Zee TV in June 1992 as an editor and as part of the channel's core team that worked on the channel's launch in October that year. Gajendra Singh played a key role in designing the channel's look and personality. In September 1993, he launched Antakshiri that went on to become Zee's channel-driver for several years. Singh's second show Sa Re Ga Ma was launched in May 1994 which again made it to the top of the TRP charts. After working with the channel for 14-and-a-half years, he quit Zee last week. Here he talks about why he left Zee and his future plans Why have you quit Zee?
After a long innings with Zee I had to move on in life and career to explore new things and get into new ventures. There is a lot to do than just keep making two programmes. Of course music-based reality shows are my forte but besides making musical shows I had to do something else for my own growth as a professional. Something else like...?
I want to make films. I would not like to call them small budget but sensible and meaningful films which will go with my sensibilities. Is this the sole reason for quitting? Or is there more to it? It's being said that your shows were not being given due importance because Zee is focusing more on fiction.
I had a wonderful experience working with Zee which had become a family for me. But when you are part of a family there are bound to be ups and downs. Small issues keep cropping up from time to time though I had cordial relations with everyone. I wanted to do something more and therefore had to move on to explore and take up new challenges. Wasn't it possible for you to attempt the new ventures without quitting?
No, it was not possible there. I don't think I would have been able to do what I want to do without quitting Zee. I needed a strong platform to show my talent and attempt new ventures. That support and appreciation was not there which I found elsewhere. You mean STAR Plus?
I am a freelancer now and will produce shows under my own banner Saibaba Telefilms. I can make programmes for any channel but yes STAR Plus has shown interest in my shows.
My forte is music. So, obviously I will be making something on music. But the shows I will make now will take the genre of programming I am associated with to a different and higher level. I am not going to repeat myself. However, I am not into the business of programme making. More than business, it's my profession and passion. At any given time I would not like to make more than two shows. When will your first show come on air? Is it going to be on STAR Plus?
As soon as possible. If STAR approaches me for a show I will do one. Rumour has it that it is STAR Plus that is fishing for your shows?
I would not like to comment on that. But definitely one quits a job when other avenues open up. When are you going to make your first film?
The script is ready. The story is by Haseena Moin (from Pakistan). I have approached Ismail Darbar to do the music. Once I settle down I will start working on the film.
Lastly, when did you decide to quit Zee? Was it a difficult decision for you?
I decided to quit on October 20 when the Little Champs finale was happening. It was a very difficult decision. Having worked in various capacities, including creative and programme director for such a long period, it was not easy to snap the ties. Whatever I am today it's because of Zee. I had a wonderful time working there.
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