Abhimanyu Singh needs no introduction. With a bagful of successful shows like Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Maharana Pratap, Agent Raghav and many more, the man has carved a niche for himself and his ever-growing company, Contiloe. Known to be the masters of the historical genre on television, Abhimanyu Singh will always be remembered as one of the pioneering producers in the history of television industry.
Even after tasting stupendous success, the one thing that makes Abhimanyu stand out in a crowd is his good looks and humility.
In an exclusive conversation with Tellychakkar.com, the ace Producer spoke about his shows, trends on television, his wife and much more.
Excerpts.
Why are you mostly sticking to the historical and mythological genre? Is it because of the success rate that you have received in the genre, or you see it as your domain?
We have done many shows in other genres as well. Even if you take an account of the on-going shows, you will see Agent Raghav aired on &TV and also the upcoming season of Adaalat, which is surely of a different genre. However, I would like to mention that while Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan is the first ever mythological presentation from the kitty of Contiloe, most of our historical series including Jhansi Ki Rani, Maharana Pratap, Veer Shivaji, Ashoka have done really well amongst the masses. And I feel privileged that all these series have been well-accepted by the audience.
Supernatural series have been dominating the small screen, what according to you makes such shows so popular?
I believe that supernatural elements have always ruled audiences’ heart. Even when we launched Ssshhhh...Koi Hai, it ran for ten years, and then we did Fear Files: Darr Ki Sacchi Tasvirein, which also became really popular. Supernatural factors have managed to strike the right chord with audiences. India has always been a country of beliefs; we believe in both God and Devil. Hence, this genre is definitely refreshing and engaging.
With the digital platform coming up, do you think it poses to be a threat to television?
Even after online shopping becoming too active, no one has really stopped visiting the shopping malls. In a similar manner I am no one to decide about the impacts that digital market will have on channels. Both the platforms have their own positive and negative effects. We have to wait and see whether these two platforms become competitors for one another or compliment each other in the coming days.
Can we expect you to see you on the digital platform in the coming days?
We as makers come up with new ideas and have to adapt to the changing trends in the industry. If we look at it content-wise, there are surely lot many to experiment in the digital arena, but considering the business prospects, we have to go through the revenue systems too. Yes, definitely, something is on my mind and we are working on it; hopefully we will be able to present something soon. Even our on-going and previous shows including Ashoka, Maharana Pratap and Adaalat do have large number of audiences on the digital platform.
With many makers churning out mythological contents, whom do you consider to be your biggest competitor?
I believe that external competition will always be there, but the real struggle is within you. The better you can strive to perfect yourself, the more you will achieve in life. If external competition affects you, you will be more stuck to that. Hence, I believe in overdoing myself.
Can we expect to witness content inspired from social issues finding a voice through your projects?
See, I have always tried my best to make inspirational content, the ones based on the life of great leaders, which projects the feeling of strong nationalism. Even before the Bollywood film released, we did short telefilms on Neerja Bhanot and Tukaram Omble. We even did a series on Kashmir with the same name, featuring Farooque Sheikh, Gul Panag and Suresh Oberoi in 2004-2005.
Are you keeping an eye on films?
Of course I am. We are trying to develop something on such lines, but television will always be our focus.
Your wife Roopali works closely with you, do you think that it is an advantage for you?
I am thankful that my wife has been really supportive. Making a show takes a lot of emotions and I am happy that I receive that support and strength from my family.
We wish you and Rupali all the luck.
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