What is this new show, Kasam...Tere Pyaar Ki, aboutIJ
It is a love story where there is tragedy after happy ending and then happy ending after tragedy. It is continuous love story between star-crossed lovers who are probably not meant to stay together but still remain attached in some way or the other. The universe supports their relationship.
How do you juggle between TV and filmsIJ
After TV films, I am entering into the digital space as well. My attempt has always been to give something new. My conscious effort over the last five years is to have at least one show each year which is associated with an NGO or has a thought process behind it, trying to break down a social stigma. like Bade Achhe lagte Hain was about older people finding love, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh was about second chances after marriage, Ye Hai Mohabbatein is about a woman who cannot have children. I don’t do these shows for TRP, but for a social message through entertainment.
Why is there such a big gap in the content of your movies and TV showsIJ
I feel it’s an eclectic mix, rightIJ Moreover, TV audience is not ready for all kinds of content. I wish Ajeeb Dastan…. had worked. When we researched for that show, we found out that the Indian woman doesn’t want that second chance in life even if her husband cheated on her. TV can’t change till the audiences don’t change. For instance, women are still portrayed in a particular mould, there are no grey women characters. As makers, we have to keep in mind that we go into a million homes where there are 10 people watching one TV. Imagine how much the content has to be diluted. You can experiment with films.
What are your plans with your digital initiative, AlTIJ
I can’t really reveal the strategy but I can tell you that it will be great storytelling. It will also be a great chance for the writers who often confine their creativity to reach out to the lowest common denominator. There will be original content that will give a chance to new writers and new thought processes.
Are you planning to do any episodic shows like your early comedy Hum PaanchIJ
I don’t think TV is ready for episodics, especially comedy. It worked back then but time has changed a lot. Today, the audience wants to see drama on TV. I will do on digital for sure, but comedy is something that is really hard work.
What are the movies you have lined up for this yearIJ
There is Flying Jatt, XXX, Azhar, Great Grand Masti and Half Girlfriend.
Is there anything you have learnt in all your years in this industryIJ
Yes, definitely. I’ve learnt the philosophy of my life if you don’t have fun in the process, you shouldn’t do that work because the outcome is not in your hands. Whatever is the outcome, I always hope that I have the ability to move ahead in life.