We are proud that the stories that we tell from our hearts connect straight with the audiences - Producer Sumeet H Mittal

It's time to rejoice in the camp of Shashi-Sumeet Productions Pvt. Ltd., as the production house completes a successful run of five years today. Sumeet H Mittal and Shashi Mittal, have travelled miles as Producers by winning the hearts of audiences with their realistic stories. In an exclusive conversation with Tellychakkar.com, Producer Sumeet H Mittal talks about the memorable journey that he and his wife have had over the years. Excerpts: Five years as producers – how is the feeling? It is the most humbling feeling! It is so reassuring to know that the path that both Shashi and I set out on five years ago has received so much support. When you started your journey as producer, did you feel that Shashi-Sumeet Productions will become one of the most renowned and successful production houses in the country? We are storytellers and that forms the core of everything we do. Once people started liking and appreciating our writing, producing shows became a natural progression. While we had faith in the stories we wrote, the imaging that our shows will reach out to millions worldwide was something that we had never expected. Today we are proud that the stories that we tell from our hearts connect straight with the hearts of the audiences. What do you think has worked in your favour over the years? We have always strived to tell stories that represent the values of real India, that are told from the heart, that are simple and relatable. In my views these would be the reason that our work has got people’s love & appreciation. Shashi-Sumeet Productions has done quality work so far in terms of shows. Which has been your happiest moment on a personal note in these five years? Obviously, one was when we launched our own production house, it was like a dream come true and the second was when Diya Aur Baati Hum got a primetime slot, as earlier it was supposed to air in a different time slot, but the channel people really liked the execution and quality of the show and upgraded it to 9 pm. Any regrets that you carry? Not really, just that we want to showcase different facets of India through our shows by shooting in different locations. However, television is restricted to location and timeframe. So now we are entering into film production and will explore that opportunity too. Which do you think has been your best work so far? Explain. Diya Aur Baati Hum, not because it is a successful show but because of its story. 20 years back, when I was in Ahmedabad, I had read an article in a daily newspaper about a Pani puri waala helping his wife to become an IAS officer. I was really inspired by the story and hence came up with the concept of Diya Aur Baati Hum. Tell us about your beginnings in the industry and the hardships that you had to overcome to become a successful producer? My wife Shashi and I came to Mumbai from Ahmedabad with our four-year-old daughter with the sole intention of working in the television industry and then graduating to films. We had given up everything in our hometown for a better future. At that time, Rajshri Productions was getting into television and we thought of contacting them. Initially, we had assumed that it would be very difficult because we had no background in entertainment. But, I guess, luck favoured us. It was tough initially, but my wife would travel to South Mumbai almost every day to meet the people there. She knew Mr. P. K. Gupta in Rajshri, who was very helpful and helped us meet Rajkumar Barjatya. We met him and I guess we struck a chord with him. He seemed to like our simplicity and that we were prepared to give it all we had. So he called us back and asked us to develop one of his scripts and he ended up really liking our work. It was Barjatya’s first show on TV so the channel wanted big names in terms of the other talent which are a trademark of their films. Rajji and Sooraj Barjatya stood by us and gave us our first break, and I will always be grateful for that. You have been a prolific writer too. Which do you enjoy the most – writing or being a producer? I definitely enjoy writing because I am an artist and not a businessman. What is the message that you would want to convey for budding producers who want to make a mark in the industry? Stay true to your story…that’s the key to success. Who has been your role model or inspiration when it comes to hard work and delivering the best of the product? Mr. Sooraj Barjatya, because I got this wonderful opportunity to work with him closely. He really inspired us to put our 100 percent towards work and delivering the best product. I still remember one line which he had mentioned during the making of Woh Rehne Waali Mehlo Ki. We were discussing about TRPs and he smiled and said that we should be content with what we have written and not bother about TRPs because only hard work and honesty will help us achieve true success in life. What are the goals for the future with respect to Shashi-Sumeet Productions? We have expanded our profile and ventured into films with Shashi Sumeet Motion Pictures. Our first Marathi film – Rangkarmi – released in December 2014 to much critical acclaim. Our next film in on floors currently. We have also ventured into Ad film production, events and more through our company Shashi Sumeet Innovation. Tell us about the amount of contribution that you and your wife Shashi put into each show? How do you both divide your work and responsibility? The amount of contribution is endless as the onus falls on both of us to deliver the best. We usually decide on a theme together and once it’s approved, Shashi takes over the writing part and I take care of the execution. Do you and your wife ever have difference of opinions on a creative level? How do you go ahead in that case? Professionally, when we started working together there were lots of differences. We had our own chain of thoughts. We fought like anything and were never ready to compromise. But later our work got bifurcated and we started working together but on different spheres. Like I mentioned earlier, we decide on a theme together and once it’s approved, Shashi takes over the writing part and I take care of the execution. You had earlier told in an interview that you would be venturing into the reality zone too. Any plans for that? Yes, we have developed an in-house non-fiction concept. We are discussing it with the channels; we will share more details at the right time. We heard there are quite many shows in the making. Anything you would want to talk on that? Yes, we are….but the funny part is whenever I talk about any upcoming shows, it gets pushed for months. So this time, I want to play safe and will only discuss about it when everything is finalized…haha!! Diya Aur Baati Hum has been a trendsetter and a path breaking show. Take us through the journey of making such a splendid show? Like I mentioned earlier, I thought of the story way before I entered this industry. I am glad that the audiences also liked the show and have supported us so much. Besides this, the show was launched against the biggest reality show - KBC and Mr. Bachchan is a trendsetter in this industry, be it film or TV. We were little jittery about this during the launch but we sailed through this and it really gave us lot of boost. Recently, Diya Aur Baati Hum completed 700 episodes and we are glad about this achievement. As a producer, what do you think sells in today’s time? One is quality of the product which should never be compromised and second is simplicity which will automatically tug the heartstrings of audience! How are you celebrating this achievement of completing five years? Just sitting in my balcony with my wife and reliving those old memories (smiles).