When I was making Nupur it was different: Hema Malini

It’s been eight long years since she did her last TV show. The timeless Hema Malini has made a comeback with Maati Ki Banno on Colors and with this show she turns a producer once again on the small screen. The Bollywood actress had earlier made shows like Nupur, Women Of India and Aap Ki Saheli. In a conversation with Tellychakkar Hema Malini talks on her new show, her small screen comeback and the changes that she observes now. Why did you choose to take the 6:30 pm slot for your show? It’s not our choice. It’s been given by the channel. They are developing this new time slot and I am sure it is going to work out well because my story Maati Ki Banno has an interesting story. Also, in the North during winter a lot of people are back home by 6 pm. Why Colors? I have been watching Colors since the day it launched. Balika Vadhu, Na Aana Iss Des Laado are very interesting. It was when I participated in Dancing Queen that I got associated with the channel. So, when I heard the story from our writer Anand I approached them with it and they agreed immediately as they like the concept. Since you are back after so long what are the changes you notice now? When I was making Nupur it was different as it was mostly Doordarshan. I produced, directed, acted and also danced in Nupur. It was a beautiful show as everybody likes it even now though it was only for thirteen episodes. I wanted to make some more serials that time but a little transition was taking place and things did not work out well. I did not get to meet the channels and talk to their people for the procedure of meeting people was tough. Then I became busy with my Parliament work as I was Member of Rajya Sabha and I had to devote time there. Last September my term got over and just the next month I got this. Like they say one door closes and the other door opens. I got this show as well as a proposal for a film. So, with Maati Ki Banno, Tell Me Oh Khuda too started. How challenging is it to be a television producer? It’s very challenging but fortunately I have my whole team who are working very nicely. They have to work 24 hours as I don’t have much time. Is the channel completely involved in the story development or do you have equal control? I do not want to hold the story but as it is developing I will definitely advice if any change is needed. I do not want too much violence so I will tell my writer not to highlight it. Maati Ki Banno is a story where women will learn how they should protect themselves and come out of domestic violence successfully. Do you think your being a part of the show will increase the TRPs of the show? In this show my presence is only at the back. The TRPs are in the hands of the performers and how the story develops. If it’s good it will get the required TRPs if its not it won’t. Do you plan to act on television? I did Women Of India earlier but not now. I think these girls on the show do a lot of work with the episodes running five days a week. I had done a show Kamini Damini for Sahara and I had to opt out as it was really a lot of work.