I would like to produce and direct only comedy shows: Producer Dharmesh Mehta

Dharmesh Mehta, currently co-producer of R K Laxman Ki Duniya on SAB TV, is a multi-tasker. He is an actor, director and producer, all rolled into one. He also has his own production house by the name of Namanraj Pvt Ltd. Having directed Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah for 500 episodes, it’s his solemn wish to direct movies someday. Here’s presenting the man himself in an interview with Tellychakkar.com for the Behind the Lens section. Experts: How did you begin your journey in this industry? I was born and raised in the Opera House area of South Bombay. I completed my education from this city. Since I was always inclined towards entertainment, I started as a child artiste in 1979 for an organization named the Indian National Welfare for which I acted. Later on I acted in several plays. In the year 1986, I started with commercial plays and used to act as well as direct them. Continue… Later, I went into direction of Gujarati plays where I met actors like Apara Mehta, Delnaaz Irani, Muni Jha amongst others. The first Hindi serial I directed was Apnapan for Sahara; it was written by Sanjay Chel. Later on, I did a show for Zee TV. After some time I got acquainted with JD Majethia and directed Baa Bahoo aur Baby for him and later directed Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Currently, I am co-producing R K Laxman Ki Duniya on SAB TV. How has your journey been so far? My journey has been very good and I am thankful to everyone I have met till date during the journey. Why did you quit Taarak Mehta…? After directing 500 episodes, I always had a dream to have my own production house. And soon after the completion of the 500th episode, I left Taarak Mehta. I told the producer and the writer that I would like to start something of my own and with the help of JD Majethia and SAB TV Business Head Anooj Kapoor, I could start my own production house which is co-producing my first show RK Laxman Ki Duniya with Hatsoff Production. Are you in touch with the actors of Taarak Mehta…? Yes, I am in touch with every single actor of the show. They are very professional when it comes to work. They are like family members to me and we all meet and greet each other very often. They are the best team I have ever come across and they have no tantrums. Any competition you felt to launch your project as there are so many shows on SAB TV? No… nothing of that sort. I am very clear and focused in my life. I knew what I wanted to do. I am very happy with the comic genre. It’s easy to make people cry or scare them but it is very difficult to make someone laugh. Making audience laugh each and every day is quite a task. From acting to direction and now a producer; how do you manage all? It’s all about time and commitment. I love acting and direction flows in my blood. Production, now, has come as a dream come true for me. I balance and manage very well. Thankfully, all the actors in the SAB TV team are very accommodating and understanding. Since I am creatively directing the show, I keep on changing the story and the content as and when required. I even have an acting institute of my own. Wherein I have trained teachers to teach and at times even I teach when I get time. Would you not try any other genre? Well no, I am very happy with comedy and would like to only work in this genre. I don’t want to do comedy just for the sake of it; would like to meaningful comedy that would connect with the masses. R K Laxman was challenge for me as I had to bring in new topics and explore them. I am thankful to God that I have this touch of comedy in me. Do you watch your own show? Yes, whenever I get time. My family watches my show and like an audience they appreciate and criticize whenever they feel. At times, when I watch my show, I feel things could have been better. What are your future plans? I want to direct and produce a comedy movie.