Delhi-based Abhimanyu Singh, who holds a Masters Degree in Political Science, always wanted to become a director. In order to follow his dreams, he left his cushy bank job and came to Mumbai to become a director. After many years of struggle, he has become the assistant director of the big budget show Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh on Life OK. We caught up with him for a quick chat. Read on...
How did your career in this showbiz industry start?
Back in Delhi, I used to work in theatre groups as assistant director with my ‘Guru’ Chadrashekhar Sharma. He used to teach us acting. He was the one who encouraged me to come down to Mumbai, as he believed that there is a lot of scope in Mumbai and my talent can get the right direction here. After completing my Masters in Political Science, I was trying to come to Mumbai and finally landed here seven years back on 28 September.
Was your journey from Delhi to Mumbai a smooth one?
No, never. After completing my studies, I applied for many jobs and I bagged one in Bank of India in Delhi. But I never wanted to pursue that. When I told my family that I want to be in the entertainment industry, they were very angry with me. My father and my brothers never wanted me to be a part of this world. My maternal uncle supported me a lot. He even tried to talk with my parents, but all vein. Then he took me to his place and helped me run away. He made all the arrangements for me in Mumbai. That step of mine angered my father a lot. Till date he has not been able to accept it whole heartedly. But things are much better now. We are in touch and we talk to each other. Now he even asks me to return home.
Did you always want to be a part of this entertainment industry?
Yes, that is for sure. When I was in fourth standard, my ‘Guru’ asked me to act in a play for August 15th celebrations. But I realised that acting was not my cup of tea. I wanted to do what my ‘Guru’ was into. I wanted to be a director. I told him that I cannot act in the play but I will be with him and learn direction from him. That was the time I realised that I simply wanted to be here.
You have been in this industry for a long time, which are the shows that you have worked on television?
Yes, I have been in this industry for a long time now. It's been more than seven years now. I did Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli (Rajshri productions), Bhagyavidhaata, Parichay (Balaji Telefilms), Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap (Contiloe Entertainment), Laagi Tujhse Lagan, Shubh Vivah, Kumkum Bhagya, Pavitra Bandhan. Apart from all these shows, I also directed two regional shows for Balaji Telefilms.
How has your experience been working in this industry?
Well, I faced certain difficulties at the beginning, when I did not have enough work in the industry. But apart from that, working for so long in this industry, with so many production houses has simply been wonderful. I have received the opportunity to work with the biggest production houses of the country.
You are now associated with the show Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh, which contains bold content, so what is your take on that?
Honestly speaking, it is a very different show with a unique concept. It's a story about a woman, who does everything to keep her family happy and she is the one, who is cheated on by her husband. It is a reflection of our society where a mother keeps the baby in her womb for nine months and as soon as the baby is born his or her father’s name is associated with the child. But the protagonist of the show, Sobha is a strong, independent woman, who will do anything for her children. I found the concept very unique.
Any major problems that you have faced in your career?
The people with whom I have worked in this industry have been extremely friendly and helpful. But the problem was on the personal front. In the beginning, there was a time when I did not have enough work to earn a living properly. That phase was very difficult for me. People used to advice me to go back and leave this profession. They even used to taunt me, but now things are different.
Who are your inspirations?
My ‘Guru’ Chandrashekhar Sharma will always be my inspiration. He is the reason that I am into this field. Now, due to health issues, he cannot even speak properly or for a long time. But he is still mentoring young talents, by giving them instruction through writing. This shows how much he loves this profession.
What are your future goals?
Currently, I am doing this show. But now I am looking forward to do some independent projects. Instead of working as an assistant director, now I want to direct an entire serial or a film. Few talks are on, but, since nothing has been finalized, I cannot comment on those projects.
We wish Abhimanyu a huge success in his future endeavours.
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