TOI article on Rajan Shahi

SRK told me that I am the King of TV: Rajan Shahi

Swasti Chatterjee, TNN | Aug 26, 2013, 04.30 PM ISTProducer

Rajan Shahi who has completed twenty years in the television industry, is all set for venturing in films. Here he speaks about his upcoming plans.


What kind of films do you want to make? Will it be a comedy or a love story or a thriller?
Given a choice I will like to make a realistic comic love story. I am open to exploring all genres. I would be announcing my film banner next month. I would like to make story of today keeping audiences in mind. On TV we have lots of do's and don'ts but in case of films I want to exactly do what I want to do without any fixed formula.


Will you cast TV actors in your film or actors from your TV soaps? It will depend on the subject which I choose. If the film requires an actor who has only done films I will only do that. In all probability it will be a combination of both. Today's sceaniron approach is very healthy. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and are TV as well as film actors. I am positive towards talent on television. From Vidhya Balan to Shah Rukh Khan to Sushant Singh Rajput have worked on television and have made it big in Bollywood.

If given a choice which TV actress you would like to cast? I would like to cast Kritika Kamra as she has lot of potential as an actress.

If you are given a choice to cast your choice of Bollywood actors who it will be? I would like to make a film with Shah Rukh Khan. He was six year senior in St. Columbus school in Delhi. Few years back when I had got a Vishesh Sanman awards he came on stage and hugged me and I still remember his words, "So you are the king on television".

Among heroines I like Kareena Kapoor for the sheer talent and the right spunk in her performances. Even Dipika Padukone is quite good be it's her acting or looks.

Who are your favourite Bollywood actors? Rekha is my favourite all time actress. She is a real Diva. To cast her in a film would be a dream cum true.

Will you act or do a special appearance in your film since you have got a folio done and all? As of now no acting plans. But then, never say never.

Will your TV production take a backseat since you are focusing on film production? TV is not only my bread and butter but also a medium which gave me name, fame and respect. My production house Directors Kut is known for quality and credibility and also the personalized attention to the TV shows and same will be the hallmark for films.

We haven't heard of a new show announcement from a long time. Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai is still going strong with 1100 episodes and Amrit Manthan is also doing well on Life OK. I will definitely be making more TV soaps. Infact along with a channel I have decided to find a girl first and then around her character story will be locked. I want to bring new talent to the industry. I want to work with newcomers as that is an interesting process and it really rejuvenates me

YR rishta going strong with 1100 episodes- mentioned

😃 Thanks 😃

I also think rajan sir is the king of tv, not only because he gave us YRKKH but also because all his other shows have had good concepts and different stories not the typical saas bahu soaps.

Waise kudos to rajan sir for such a wonderful show!!