"There's a hidden agenda behind the axeing of Kulvaddhu " - Anuj Saxena

It was hardly three months ago when Sony Entertainment Television was tomtomming its new show Kulvaddhu as the biggest thing to happen to TV. And that it would help it crawl back up the TRP charts. The publicity blitz that surrounded it made actor turned first time TV producer Anuj Saxena believe that Kulvaddhu would get all the support a show needs to become a winner. But that was not to be. On 6 March Saxena got a big jolt when he was abruptly informed that his show would be axed. And he had two weeks to wrap it up. Tellychakkar.com Editor Seema Pherwani caught up with Anuj who had enough reason to be upset. He was pretty forthright in the freewheeling interview. Excerpts: Did Sony's decision to axe your show, Kulvaddhu come as a shock to you? I really don't know. I think we gave it the best shot from our side. Kulvaddhu was commissioned by the channel, they liked the concept. We tried to go beyond the original idea but looks like something somewhere just didn't work for them. At the end of the day they are the channel and we are the production house. I must admit that it was quite surprising the way it happened. We've been given just two weeks to wrap up the show which is rare. What disturbs you the most? The way the channel informed us. A colleague of mine had gone for a casual channel meeting, when she was told that the show has been called off. At the end of the day, I am the producer, so the least I can expect that they inform me directly. I've been associated with Sony for a long time and this industry is really a small place. I don't know what will happen in the future. But it's definitely not the end of the road. Does this demotivate you since Kulvaddhu was your first show? Yes, it's quite a dampener, I however choose to be philosophical about it. Let me state that Kulvaddhu wasn't doing so badly, even in terms of its TRPs as compared to some of the other shows. Looks like it's probably a hidden agenda, but then I don't want to fight with anybody. It's not the end of the world. I've got enough future projects to look forward to. I am not upset. Let's hope something new will happen and people will move on. What do you think really went wrong? Was the concept mishandled or did you mishandle people and egos? I am saying nobody is perfect. I always tell my team that there can only be one leader. If five creative people come together there will always be creative options; but it's always the captain of the ship who takes the call. There can't be two people and in this case because I am a new producer, I let the channel take all the decisions. You started the story in one direction and the channel took it in another direction? Is that true? Or was it the demands of the show? My story was about a girl becoming a widow. But somewhere along the line, there were too many changes and maybe because I am a first time producer, I succumbed to the pressures. I decided to follow what the channel people said, because I wanted to take the show forward. But, I don't know whether that has worked in my favour or no. In retrospect maybe it didn't work. And that's why I got the axe. There is a lesson to be learned, I will be better prepared next time and take a firm stand. But aren't you taking up the axing issue with anybody? They've just sent me a letter. I will have a meeting with them as I would like to know the actual reason. But frankly, I don't want to continue with the show even if I am given an extension. It will only make life more miserable for everybody. There's negativity and uncertainty about what will happen next. I prefer not to work in such an atmosphere. Do you regret the fact that you didn't start on a smaller scale? (Laughs) I think that's my biggest problem. I am too ambitious and I have too many dreams in life. That's what my father tells me, start small and then expand. But then all the big producers have failed sometime in their life. So, this doesn't deter people. Does your image work against you? Sometimes my image works for me and at other times it works against me….me, my background, because of who I am and what I am. It's a double edge sword. I keep telling my Maverick staff that my biggest asset is Anuj Saxena and my biggest hurdle is also Anuj Saxena. I've always lived by my rules which are unpalatable to a lot of people. I didn't really need to be an actor or turn producer. But there' a creative need in me which pushed me to do these things. I am a successful actor on TV today which some people didn't expect. You were the face of Sony? Was I? Now I have started doubting that. It was a nice feeling till it lasted. Now there are too many people on the scene. In which direction do you see the content game moving? I think today it's a power game and it's all about money. I tell my staff, 'money walks bullshit talks'. Our economy is growing at such a pace that things go the way of the bigger and better. Only production houses with muscle power and who can provide continuous software will go far. From the business point of view, your net worth is your share price. What's next on Maverick's agenda? We have a couple of concepts in the pipeline, my first film going on the floor and my first play set to be launched soon. The idea is to build Maverick as a brand. I have worked hard to build the company. All the money that I have earned as an actor has been put into Maverick. What kind of losses have you incurred? I wouldn't like to go into the details. But yes, obviously I have incurred a huge loss. I had a very expensive starcast, lavish sets and I got the best people in the market. But then I believe doing things in style. My motto is `do it in style or else don't do it at all.' Also, now Idon't have to shoot pilots and prove my production values to other channels anymore. I am also looking at it as a business setback. Most of the times channels do rehabilitate producers. I am however mentally prepared for anything, I will be happy if they chip in or else I will take it in my stride. So now will you turn into a kanjoos producer? (Laughs)I think that's my biggest mistake. I've spent more than what the channel was giving me; in fact almost double. Most expensive starcast, best lights, best technicians because I don't believe in doing a cut and paste job. Do you have any other show in the pipeline? I was hoping that one more show would go on air while Kulvaddhu was on. But looks like this is destiny. It's been twenty years since I am doing business and I've learned to handle these things. Every time I stumble and fall, I've only risen higher. What other genres are you looking at? We've almost 10 new ideas in the pipeline. I want to do different and entertaining work. In television, there' s no mantra for success; a show might click or might not. I will continue to pitch and make presentations. It might take six days or even six years. I have a great team and financially my company can take setbacks, so as a producer that works in my favour.