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Writer Rajita Sharma who has conceived and developed shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Ek Chabi Hain Pados Mein and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is back in action. This time on a new channel with a new show and in a new avatar as well. Rajita has turned producer for Zee's latest offering Ram Milaye Jodi. However, she is not alone as Viveck Budakoti joins in writer and producer as well. They are producing the show under the banner of Magic Lanterns. Rajita spoke to TellyChakkar.com about her show, expectations and her career graph. Excerpts from the conversation:

How would you describe Ram Milaye Jodi?
The concept was initially given by the creative team of Zee. They had given us an idea of the kind of show they want. We worked on that concept and developed the show as you see it today.

This is the story of Anukalp and Mona who come from different cultural backgrounds. Their ways of living, working and rituals are all very different. While one is Gujarati, the other one is a Punjabi. One is chilled out and bindaas, the other is reserved and conservative. This show will deal with the situations that arise when these two different individuals meet each other. This is my attempt at creating a 'slice of life' serial.

Interestingly, the other show you wrote, Yeh Rishta is also in the same time slot. Your reaction...
I did develop that serial with the Star Plus team when it started. I always believe one should draw a bigger line than the last one. I don't know whether I will be successful in the new project, but I will definitely try my best. This show is completely different from Yeh Rishta right from the story to the narrative style.

From a writer to a producer, how has the journey been?
I have been writing for a decade now and before that I had started my career as a documentary filmmaker. Everything put together, I have a combined experience of 15 years. Looking back, I have learnt a lot. In this industry, the day you stop learning, you will stop being successful. Even after 15 years in the industry, I still consider myself as a student and that keeps me going.

How do you feel television has changed since you started working?
Television changes every day, every week and every month. Shows enter our bedroom and living rooms and so as writers and producers we need to change our shows according to the audience tastes. You need to be dynamic to win a place in the audience's heart. Nothing is constant in the world of television. No show should be stagnant.

Is it true Ram Milaye does not have a typical negative character?
Yes, it is true. There are very few characters with grey shades. This show is completely based on real-life characters and if you look at the characters closely, they are not bad they do certain things according to the situation they are in. Sometimes, they are upset and revengeful -- these are all common traits in any real characters.

How was the outdoor experience in Delhi?
Fantastic! I love Delhi. Right from Indraprathsta to today's Delhi, we have shot everywhere, in front of the monuments, in Gurudwaras and almost every other place. Delhi has a typical historic feeling which you can't escape from.

How did you and Viveck work together as writers?
When I was writing Ram Milaye, the female angle came naturally but with Viveck coming in, we could also get the male perspective in the story. That brought about the much-needed balance. Let me also clarify that we have shown Punjabi and Gujarati families which is completely incidental. This show is based in Delhi for a simple reason -- Delhi doesn't represent a certain state, it's the whole country.

Why did you select a new girl opposite Nishant for Mona's role?
We auditioned a lot of actors, including experienced ones. But only Priyal had that innocence and rawness required for the role and I needed that. She may say a few wrong lines and give the wrong expression, but I wanted that innocent appeal, which Priyal has. She is very hard-working and always gives her best.

Sharhaan Singh, last seen in Uttaran as Sid, Tapasya's boyfriend will now be seen in Ram Milaye Jodi. Sharhaan will make life hell for the lead actress, Priyal Gor.

A source informs, "He is playing a negative character. He will be shown deeply in love with Priyal who loves someone else. He will then start troubling and harassing her. His character is similar to Sid's character in Uttaran."

We called Sharhaan to confirm but he refused to comment.

The actor meanwhile has done a couple of Punjabi films, one with Jimmy Shergill and the other with Jaspal Bhatti. He will also be re-entering Jhansi Ki Rani soon.

Meher Vij, last seen in Balaji's Kis Des Mein Hain Mera Dil is back in business. She will be seen in Ram Milaye Jodi, Rajita Sharma's first venture as an independent producer. The Zee serial will see Meher in a pivotal role.

Apparently it was Meher's performance in Kis Des… that got her the role in Ram…

A source in the know of things informs that Meher will play Hetal, the sister of the male lead Nishant Malkani. Hetal is a bit dominating and at the same time very sweet to people who are good to her. She wants everything in life at the soonest and before everyone else. And so this nature of hers impacts everything she does.

The pretty actress is set to start shooting for the show soon. We tried calling her but she was unavailable for comment.

Remember Damini in Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi? Riva Bubber, the actress who played Damini in one of Indian television's much-loved, long running soaps is back after a hiatus of two years. She will be seen as the bride's mother in Zee's latest soap, Ram Milaye Jodi.

Why this absence from the small screen? "I had been working for eight long years so after Kyunki wound up, I made the most of the break, I went on five long vacations to Goa, Singapore and Malaysia and had loads of fun with my family. But I am happy to be back on the sets, was missing it," she smiles.

The "right" roles too were difficult to come by. "Let me confess the roles being offered were clichd with no promise at all. So I preferred waiting for the right project and when this character was offered to me, I liked it," says Riva.

Like Kyunki, in which she portrayed the role of a young mother, she will be playing the role of Vimmie, the mother of the lead girl (Priyal Gor) in Ram Milaye Jodi. Isn't she getting typecast? Riva does not seem to think so. "Though I am playing a mother again, this time it's not the typical mom you are used to seeing on screen. Vimmie is bubbly and at the same time completely blunt. She will say something without thinking of the impact and only after someone points it out will she realize! Her character is very interesting and she does a lot of wrong stuff; more than her daughter!" Riva explains.

She goes on to add, "This is not just a love story; a lot of importance is given to other characters too. My husband and I share a unique relation in the show. Though our daughter goes to college, we are still very romantic, go out for dates and have a lot of masti!"

Riva is happy she's playing the role of a Punjabi woman for the first time on screen. "It is a nice feeling," the pretty actress says. Riva believes it was Kyunki and her first show Kyun Hota Hai Pyar which brought her the recognition and fame. "But perhaps, Ram Milaye Jodi will prove to be a bigger and better show for my career."Well, we hope so too!