Ekta Kapoor delved into uncharted territory for her new show on Sony Pal. She shares that it is not just a love story but the script that reflects the social scenario and mindsets in our small towns
Spotting Ekta Kapoor in a Malini Ramani ensemble is no news. But strutting in Jimmy Choo was surely new to people who have known her. She was visibly struggling with her new possession but she shared that she is trying to get used to walking in stilettos. We met the producer at the launch of her new show Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai in Mumbai. Anxious and excited she obviously was to share details about her new offering on Sony Pal, but before any conversation she strictly mentioned, “No personal questions please!”
The show set in Patna, charts the journey of Poorvi (Aparna Dixit), the daughter of a senior Government employee and Arjun (Navi Bhangu), the spoilt son of a local coal mafia. In the beginning, they can’t see each other eye to eye but steadily are drawn towards each other. Eventually they combat all odds and family antagonism for their love. Unfortunately, both are destined to be apart. It is thus the story of two star-crossed lovers, their journey of adoration and hatred.
“I have neither done a show outside the urban space nor have I known many people from small towns like Patna. When I decided to do this show, I wanted to work with new characters and not those I actually know. Here we have a family which is extremely wealthy, decadent but with regard to knowledge and progression they are extremely poor. They have different values for daughters and sons. The other family is not affluent, the wife is the husband’s boss at work. The couple is forward-looking. The female lead who is raised with certain family values clashes with a man who thinks he owns the world. But the beauty of love is such that it can even bring strangers close and it transforms you.”
Dealing with a story based in Patna was a new experience for the producer. “When you are coming up with a story in a milieu that you are not aware of, you are stuck. I have never lived in Bihar but met so many people who told me of certain families they know who take pride in never hearing a ‘no’. Ego level is super high. We say politicians and actors have big egos but they are always scared of the press, about what people are saying about them. I feel the people we think would be flying high in the air are actually under control. It is here that the decadence lies, where people are not controlled because no one can control them. They control maximum vote banks, that’s what I have heard. Nobody knows them as they pass by in their cars and because you don’t know them they can get away with anything. Through my show I will see to it that level of decadence that exists in our society is explored, represented and then questioned constantly,” she explained.
Ekta, who is credited for starting the so-called trends in the TV industry, takes utmost care of marketing and promotion of her shows. For this one, she has worked differently on the time slot. The show will air at 7 pm. Ekta said, “I know that the prime time is changing and my show is a small town show. At 10 pm it would not have worked as well as it will work at 7 pm. I also understand the audience preference. Mostly it is during the early evening that TV is watched in tier II and III cities. The prime slot for the audience in urban centers in post 10 pm. Because the show’s basic feel is small town, I am trying to create more audience for the show from these regions. Therefore an early evening slot.”
It may come as a surprise to few, but Ekta revealed that she doesn’t watch television. What keeps her awake are not the glitches in her own shows but strengths of her competitors’ productions. “I took this decision long back that I cannot enjoy TV because if it is a good show and it’s competition then it won’t be entertaining to me. If I watch my own show and spot an error, I’ll have a sleepless night. TV is for relaxation and I cannot relax while watching it.” Nonetheless, she claims that she keeps herself informed, “I hear what people are working on and if one of my shows is not doing well then I’d probably watch some episodes but I believe in empowering my team so they watch while I sit on stories, characterisation and the look of the show.”
Fair choice
Anooj Kapoor, senior EVP and business head, Sony Pal, says it’s thrilling to join hands with Ekta Kapoor
Anooj Kapoor who was initially handling SAB, took charge of MSM’s new property Pal in September. On collaborating with Ekta, he says, “We are extremely thrilled to join hands with Ekta — the lady who has revolutionised Indian television. Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai marks another milestone for the channel. At Pal, our endeavour is to present shows that not only celebrate womanhood but are also engaging and relatable to the modern woman. We are confident that this show will further strengthen our primetime.”
Within a month of its launch, Sony Pal achieved a growth rate of 30-40 per cent in key markets and reportedly also surpassed Zee Zindagi in the fourth week of its launch.
On the latest trend of most shows based on women empowerment, Anooj says, “Currently it is resonating because today women feel that they are uniquely positioned both in terms of social and economic liberation to fulfill their need of self-expression and self-actualisation. Our channel is telling stories which tap into that aspiration and which inspires them to pursue that route. Ekta’s show will further propel that process.”
Juhi Chawla, Pal’s brand ambassador, is likely to be seen in their new talk show. “We are trying to develop a show where she will talk on various women issues. She has a very effervescent and a bubbly image so the show should not be a serious one,” says Anooj.
He is very sure to replace the shows if they won’t be doing well. He adds, “On SAB I ruthlessly replace shows. The show will go on for as long as the public demands it. We are not creatively challenged, there is neither a dearth of stories nor of the ones who want to make them so why stretch a show for years.”