Aspiring writers should be keen observers and must have a habit of reading: Story Writer Satish Nair

Story writer Satish Nair has been a part of the television industry for quite some time now. Born and raised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, he completed his graduation from the Ravi Shankar University, Nagpur. As a story writer, Satish has been associated with many popular shows like Na Aana Iss Des Laado for Colors, Life OK’s Hum Ne Li Hai… Shapath and Star Plus’ Sapno Se Bhare Naina. Currently, he is writing for Savdhan India and 26/12 for Life OK. In our ‘Behind the Lens’ section, we get you the life of this talented man whose life revolves around the world of television. Excerpts: Tell us something about yourself? I started my career with writing drama with Shri Ravi Shankar Pandit. Then, I did scriptwriting for a show titled Galiyon Ka Raja. Later, I was a part of the art direction team of Slumdog Millionaire when I got an opportunity to work with Danny Boyle. I always had a dream to become director but destiny had some other plans for me. As a story writer, my first show was Star Plus’ Sapno Se Bhare Naina. I followed this when I wrote a few episodes for Hum Ne Li Hai… Shapath. Right now, I am writing for Savdhan India and 26/12 on Life OK. Tell us something about your working pattern? Well, as I am a part of two shows simultaneously, I have to schedule my time accordingly. While 26/12 is a friction show the story of which revolves around the planning of a terror plot, Savdhan India is a reality show based on cases of crime. In both the shows, the story plays a pivotal role. Naturally, the plots have to be both unique and crisp. I have to write and give one episode to each of these shows, a day. Then I have to narrate my story to the production people and in certain cases to the channel to get the approval done. How long have you been in this industry? It’s been more than 5 years now that I have been in this industry. What challenges did you face here? It has been a long journey now. Initially, yes I did face some challenges but later things started falling into places. But now, life is much smooth and easy. How many hours do you put in altogether? It depends upon the work flow. But, not less than sixteen hours in a day. What are the things that you keep in mind before writing the script for a particular show? Well, in case of 26/12, we know how to take the story further, it being a friction show, but every episode of Savdhan India is always a fresh story with new faces. So, I have to give a proper start and introduction to all the characters. In both the shows, characters and the core of the theme is very important. Which show did you enjoy doing the most? I enjoy writing for Savdhan India as it is very challenging for me. If not a writer, then what you would have been? As I said, I always aspired to become a director and if not, then a production designer. Do you change scripts according to TRPs? No, not really, though TRP is a big thing. But my job is to give quality stories. Do you watch serials and keep a tab of what is happening in other shows? I do keep tab of a few shows, but one show I really like is Lapatagunj on SAB TV. I think it is a great show by any standard. Your future plans? One day I want to have my own production house. Your advice for aspiring writers… Aspiring writers need to be keen observers in daily life and must make a habit of reading. They should watch old movies and have their own point of view in life.