In conversation with Suzana Ghai, Head of Fiction -Programming, Star Plus

After Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein did not work, Star Plus has decided to return to the safer zone of family soaps with Rajshri Production’s Pyaar Ka Dard Hain, Meetha Meetha… Pyaara Pyaara. However, keeping in mind the Star philosophy of Rishta Wahi Par Soch Nayi, they continue to explore contemporary relationships within the family space in a relatable manner. Suzana Ghai, Head of Fiction - Programming Star Plus, shared with Tellychakkar.com, “Today many guys are having problems with commitment and our lead guy has similar issues for he had come from a broken family. How Pankhuri, who still believes in fairy tale romance, makes him understand love is what the story is all about.” When we asked Suzana about Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein’s fate, she said, “It was a very experimental show which did not work. Some things click and some don’t. However, we will not give up our efforts to push the envelope as far as content is concerned.” So do you think that viewers don’t want something new? “It is a matter of demand and supply. If you give something interesting like Satyamev Jayate, then they will lap it up. But this Aamir Khan show is not rating beyond 3 TVR on STAR Plus. You need to understand that we have created a brand new Sunday morning slot. Today TV is appointment viewing (Mon –Friday) so in that scene a standalone one day show getting such good numbers is indeed a big thing.” Suzana also informed us that the number one rated GEC show Diya Aur Baati Hum (Shashi Sumeet Mittal Productions Pvt Ltd) will also head for the next big leap in the story wherein the lead girl Sandhya (Deepika Singh) becomes an IPS officer which is the main crux of the story. In closing, when we asked Suzana about removal of Giaa Manek from Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, she said ,“For us, the character and the show is above everything else and if we feel that the artist concerned is not giving due attention and doing something else we take action.” But don’t you feel audience may get alienated with a new lead girl? “No, Star Plus has changed lead actors (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) before and we strongly believe that the public likes the actor because of the character and not vice versa. We have a very strong story in the show and are hopeful that the public will accept the new actor with same love as the earlier one.”