J D Majethia is one of the leading producers who is not only a great director and writer, but also an amazing actor.
Yes, he is the only producer who has participated in a TV reality show, Survivor and recently also got back to acting post his stint in Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
The talented JD is currently producing Badi Dooooor Se and Khidki on SAB TV under his Hats Off banner. He is also playing host on the latter.
JD got chatty about Khidki, aspirations as a producer, future plans and more. Excerpt from the interview...
How do you always manage to come up with unique concepts?
(Smiles) Aatish (Kapadia) and I belong from theatre background. Our motive is to come up with unique concepts for our viewers. We don’t follow trends and that’s why we are different and have sustained in the TV industry. We have earned goodwill from people, which matters the most at the end.
What do you think about the future of television?
There will be more finite series and digital content in the future. I think most of the daily soaps will shift to afternoon slots, while popular and finite series will remain on the prime time slots.
What, according to you, is the mantra for prosperity in a demanding place like TV?
The mantra is commitment, consistency and hard work. Forget past glory and focus on the future. I never get affected by success. After making the super hit show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, my next plan was to make another interesting sitcom.
Three things we don’t know about you…
I am very emotional, religious and family-oriented person. I am kind of a dual personality, who is traditional as well as urban. I am also very frank.
Who is your closest friend from the industry?
We are a gang of five good friends Vipul A Shah, Deven Bhojani, Paresh Ganatra and Aatish Kapadia. I have known them for many years now. We all socialize together.
One show you wish you had directed?
I also wish to make Game of Thrones on TV.
Can we see you directing films?
Yes, I may soon direct and produce a Gujarati film.
What’s your reaction to comedians facing flak like Tanmay Bhat’s snap chat video did?
Personally, I don’t like offensive humour. It’s very easy to mimic and make fun of people. During my college days, once I had done mimicry on Ramayan. One man came up to me and said that it was the biggest mistake of my life. From then on, I make only clean comedy that the entire family can watch together. Making fun of legends like Sachin and Lataji is not in good taste. Always impress with good work. Though Tanmay would always be remembered for this controversy.
What’s your take on below the belt comedy?
We should not follow foreign traditions. India is traditional, so don’t expect double meaning and sex comedies being boosted here.
What do you enjoy the most-behind or in front of the camera?
I enjoy in front of the camera as acting gives me contentment.
How much do you enjoy hosting Khidki?
The most exciting part is that I am getting to don different looks as a host. The show is not be monotonous. Viewers can watch fresh concepts every week.
Your favourite host?
I really like Amitabh Bachchan. I have a wish to host a show like KBC. I also like Kapil Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh’s hosting.
After Survivor, would you like to participate on other reality shows?
I don’t mind participating in dance reality shows.
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