TRP is not the only benchmark to judge a show's success: Producer Dilip Jha

Writer-turned-producer Dilip Jha is happy with his new offering Ek Duje Ke Vaaste on Sony Entertainment Television. The owner of Bindu Moving Images believes in hard work and determination.

Tellychakkar.com got in touch with Dilip for an exclusive interview, where he spoke about his background, struggle period, competition, future projects and more...read on:

Tell us something about yourself.

I started my career as a writer and worked on shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Kya Hua Tera Vaada, Parvarrish, Choti Bahu, Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, Tere Sheher Mein and others. I have also co-written the film M.S.Dhoni, along with Neeraj Pandey. I am planning to produce a Marathi and Hindi movie next year. Apart from producing, I am also writing for Ek Duje Ke Vaaste.  

What about your struggle period?

I was initially working for an ad agency at a higher level. I quit my job to become a writer. I was worried if I would flourish as a writer or not. People in the industry used to not take me seriously as I was from a corporate background…but they have accepted me whole-heartedly now.

What made you to get into production?

Honestly speaking, it was a logical step and not for money. I always had the character of Shravan in my mind and wanted to execute it. Later, when I thought of Suman, it turned out to be a perfect story. I wanted Suman to be such that each and every woman can relate to her. 

As Ek Duje is your first show, is it a boon as there is no pressure or bane that you have to set a benchmark?

Definitely, no pressure, as the channel is very supportive. It is a different concept on TV with no villains and vamps. I believe it is easy to make a show, which is like a black and white drama with two main leads and vamps or villains to add spice, but difficult to come up with shows like Ek Duje Ke Vaaste.

How is a producer’s relationship with the channel?

My relationship with Sony TV is brilliant. Ek Duje is like a dream come true and I still can’t believe that it happened. I am thankful to Sony TV for it.

Actors and their tantrums are common. Have you ever experienced any and how do you handle the same?

I have not experienced and do not get involved in anything. I try not to pay attentions to unwanted things and let those things pass. I am a cool producer, so my actors don’t bother me with tiffs and fights.

How nervous were you when the show went on air?

I was never nervous…I was excited. I am emotionally attached to the show. I have penned down the story, looked at the dresses, sets, hair, make-up and other small and detailed things, so it is like my baby

Isn’t there a fear of newcomers being rejected by the audiences?

Always! We have Namik Paul as a newcomer, but I feel Nikita’s previous show did not bring her out as a heroine. In Ek Duje, she’s gained immense love as a heroine. Namik is relatively fresh and a fine actor. I have a perfect mix of newcomers and experienced actors in my show. I also feel that TRP is not the only benchmark because a perfect content with a great cast is important. I am happy that we have achieved it.

How do you handle competition?

I handle it in a very stupid way. Honestly, I don’t know what’s happening in the industry. I focus on my work and have little knowledge about other shows. I am not worried about competition.

What is the most important aspect of any show?

Connecting with the audience is the most important thing. I believe that few people watch the show for amusement and few for entertainment. The show should always be relatable on every level.

Many foreign shows are being adapted for TV. If given a chance, would you do it?

I would love to, but I will take their permission, pay them and then work on the show. I won’t copy it. I think we don’t need adaptation. We just need to try different content.

Any producer inspired you to get involved in this?

Not really. I had a good working relationship with some great producers like Rajan Shahi and Ekta Kapoor, among others. I adore Ekta and I am inspired by her.

As supernatural dramas are in trend, would you come up with shows on the same?

Yes, as a producer I will definitely do it…but from the business point of view. As a writer though, I wouldn’t want to write any show related to supernatural drama.

What change would you like to see in Indian television?

I would like different shows. Finite series, comedy content, and so on. We have mythological shows but they are very weak. What happens is that a show starts with a different storyline, but ends up copying other popular genres.

What are you future plans?

I am planning a few things and working on some projects.