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| INTERVIEW | ABHILASH BHATTACHARYA |
After receiving accolades for programmes like Surabhi for Doordarshan and Sare Jahan Se Achha for Zee TV, director Abhilash Bhattacharya is back in the limelight with the launch of his ambitious show Shabaash India that is currently being aired on Zee TV in the prime-time slot How did Shabaash India happen?
Shabaash India was conceptualized by the Zee TV itself. One day they called me over and talked about making a reality show that would project something very different, something off the track for the audience. When I came up with my idea, they insisted that I should produce as well as direct the show. However, they promised me that they would give full justice to the whole concept. How did you prepare for the show and how tough was it?
It was quite tough for us to find those people who did work differently in their real lives. We approached the Limca Book of Records, who supported us a lot. They gave us as many contacts as possible. Approaching those people was one taxing affair, since some of them lived in places like a non-descrepit village in Bihar or some remote corner of Jharkhand, while others rode horses in an isolated heartland in Punjab. Most of these people were gypsies who survived by demonstrating extraordinary works. This was not all, to make them understand as to why we needed them was again very difficult. How did you manage to convince them about doing this show? What message do you wish to spread through it?
We had two objectives to fulfill through this show. To search for the extraordinary and exceptional talents within our country and bring them to the limelight was one. The second objective was to inspire a sense of pride among the countrymen to have a compatriot with exceptional talent. We want to motivate people to recognize their inner talents, hone them up, showcase it to the world and make us proud. What are your parameters in choosing what is to be shown and what is not?
We never show anything that may be fatal to any person. In fact we discourage anyone who says that he can eat live snakes. We take utmost care while shooting the stunt. For example, if a performer jumps from one building to the other, we see to it that his safety is ensured in the best possible manner. We never encourage anyone to risk his life while doing a performance. For example, Manoharan from Tamil Nadu could play with King Cobra and bring it to such a state that he could kiss the snake with the power of Yoga Sadhana. Now, the snake is so venomous that a single bite can bring instant death to the person. While shooting that episode, we had on hand an expert doctor to handle any eventuality. Yes, these shows involve a lot of risk but precautionary steps are also in hand. What inspired you to produce such a programme and how original is the whole concept?
I don't feel ashamed to accept the fact that conceptually the show is not original, but yes, in the Indian context, it is. Our source of inspiration has been Ripley's Believe it or Not and The Guinness Book of World Records. The idea is to show that even our countrymen possess amazing powers to do daunting feats. We present all this in the context of our civilization and culture.
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We needed someone who was known to the audience. In a show where strangers will be playing the major role, we needed a face that was popular and one with whom the audience could associate, and who could introduce them to the viewers with ease. Hussain is a very warm and gregarious person. He can perk up the participants and make them believe that they are the best. More importantly he has respect for each participant and handles the show with ease, making it lively. How many episodes are ready ?
We are ready with 10 episodes out of the 52 alloted. By the response that we have been receiving, I am sure of getting an extension. And how has been the response?
Look, our show is a mix of music, comedy, horror; on the whole it is a wholesome entertainment, and the response that we are getting is extremely mind-blowing. In a day we have been receiving between 300-400 calls. Of these, 40 percent callers are those who evince interest in performing in our show. There are lot of callers from different parts of the country who want to come and visit our sets and witness the shooting.
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