RAVI DUBEY, who has completed 16 years in the industry, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how and why he turned a producer among other things
You are the first TV artist to get invited by A UN backed Institute. How was the experience of meeting Shashi Tharoor and Suresh Prabhu?
It was absolutely phenomenal. We were engaged in a panel discussion and there was nothing more enlightening than being in the company of people like Shashiji and Suresh Prabhuji. Another very beautiful experience of that day was that I got a chance to meet General VP Malik, who was the Chief of Army Staff during Operation Vijay, Chief Air Marshal PV Naik and Admiral RK Dhowan, who joined virtually.
These are some dignitaries and luminaries from the facets of our country. You can very well imagine the responsibility on their shoulders and the experiences that I may have got out of them. I will cherish that morning forever.
How has the journey been so far?
It has been fantastic. I am fortunate to have been in the industry for 16 years and that number is only going to go higher and higher in the subsequent years. This industry has given me everything, it has given me a great audience and hundreds and thousands of fans. The industry has supported me at all times, has given me an opportunity to come in front of the camera and to stay behind the camera, to be an actor, to be a storyteller and be a producer now. I owe everything to this industry and I am full of gratitude.
What made you become a producer?
For me and Sargun, it was an organic diversification. We have spent a huge amount of time in the industry and we always intended to produce content. The fact that Udaariyaan is doing so well is a real pat on the back for us and it encourages us to move forward with all that we have got.
Is the transition tough — from an actor to a producer?
What is not tough in that sense? Everything has its challenges but those challenges, they only give you a fantastic skill set to counter other challenges that might come in the future with greater efficiency. So, it's a beautiful transition and as the challenges are also beautiful, we have embraced every aspect of it, we have embraced the challenges and we are embracing the victory as well.
How did you get into acting?
I always wanted to be an actor, that’s the one solitary desire that I’ve had — to be in front of the camera and to enjoy and be known as an actor. This intention somehow found its way through and got me literally in front of the camera.
What are your upcoming projects?
There are many as producers and as an actor, but unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to talk about it at present. By next fortnight we will be talking about one of the projects.