Kavita Barjatya, producer of Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka, talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about the show and the pros and cons of having Barjatya as a surname
Tell us about the script.
It took Kaushik Ghatak and me a long time to come up with this story. We have done many projects together for more than a decade. When Rajshri Productions ventured into TV in 2004, he was a big support. He is a well-known TV director who helped. We did a film together as well and wanted to diversify into other aspects as well. Hence, we came together for Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka. We have developed the show. But it is more of his baby than mine. Once we had the story in place, scriptwriters were hired to take it forward.
How is this serial different from other TV showsIJ
First, there are no negative or grey characters and this makes execution very difficult. This is because if one is not able to keep up the naturalness, the show can fall apart. When we embarked on this project, we wanted to stay clear from the typical drama that we have done in the past. Second, the hero and the heroin had to be true to life and find a connect with modern-day viewers as there is no drama. We didn’t want the same old ghisa-pita show.
Does this mean doing a feel good show is toughIJ
Yes, it is very challenging. When you have a daily soap — five shows a week, it become difficult to keep up the feel-good content. For example, it will be very easy for us to turn negative. We can introduce a negative character who wants to poison kheer. Many episodes can be made on this track and whether the person for whom it is meant will eat it or not. But this is not the case with Ek Rishta... It is very difficult to write about only about good things. Take the example of Dhanak, it is such a nice movie. It is tough to achieve this.
So you don’t intend to deviate from the main storyline.
We will try and remain as true to the original story as possible. We want to stay true to the concept and not move away from the texture. We don't want to move away from the positivity that the show is all about. When we went to the channel, we asked them what kind of a serial they were looking for. I told them that if they were looking at modern we can do that. We can make whatever that you are looking at. Danish Khan, EVP and business head at Sony Entertainment Television told us to make something from our heart and not look at the TRPs and stick to the original story. It was the best thing that could have happened to us, a dream come true. It gave us a free hand to come up with an idea that was pure and fresh and from our heart.
What are the key points you keep in mind when you begin a new projectIJ
It is all about what is needed. We are producers. Our work is to deliver. If the channel wants drama, we will give a drama. We want to do so many things — come up with murder mysteries, comedy and much more. At the end of the day, we are makers. The key point to keep in mind is to deliver what has been asked of us. One should not change the track suddenly. There is so much that can be done in terms of content on TV and we want to explore each aspect of it. So it depends on who wants what.
Has TV become saturated with the same saas-bahu dramaIJ
Sometimes, there is TRP pressure and hence one is required to change track and add on the drama. A story has to come to an end after a set number of episodes. But the only reason why it gets extended is because the viewers start associating themselves with the characters and want to see what happens in their lives. So the production house has no other option but to extend it. But now, there are many shows that are finite and TV is experimenting with different genres so that is good.
What made you start your own production houseIJ
I started my career with Rajshri Production, ran it successfully for years and set up a team. But then came a time when I wanted to do things on my own. And I had full support of the family. I dreamt of having a company in my name and I am living it. There is no harm in wanting to realise something you always wanted. And Rajshri is mine too. I can go back to it whenever I want. If I want to produce a project under Rajshri I can do it. It after all belongs to the family.
What are the pros and cons of having Barjatya as a surnameIJ
Everything has advantages and disadvantages. Whatever is your surname, at the end of the day, it is your work that speaks for you. Without hardwork there is no recognition. Your surname has nothing to do with it. But there is a lot of pressure. I don’t want to bring shame to the family. I belong to a conservative Marwari family and they have put in a lot of faith in me when I started my venture. I don’t want to disappoint them; I want them to be proud of me. So even though there is pressure, there is lot of pleasure too.
Why producer and not directionIJ
I have always wanted to direct. I only assisted Soorajji with his project Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon. After that I had to take a decision what I wanted to do. TV was the next big thing and the hour of the need was that I turn producer. Direction can wait for now.
What next for youIJ
For now, I am busy with this show. But I want to do more TV, different kind of content, want to venture into making ads and make more films. I have a bucket list.