Producer Saurabh Tewari is satisfied with the continuing run of his Zee TV show Zindagi Ki Mahek. His recent shows Mahek and Ghulaam have been made under the banner Parin Multimedia.
Says Saurabh, “We are doing decent with Mahek. The major challenges started (Sept 2016) with the shoot being outside Mumbai. Accordingly we hire local Delhi talent for if you use Mumbai actors, the logistical costs of flying them up and down during breaks would be way too expensive given our low budget status. This had a positive spin off in the sense that that we got very fresh faces in the form of Karan Vohra and Samiksha Jaiswal. Mumbai labour unions need to get their act together lest more shows will start to move out.”
“It was always a tough going, for we always had stiff competition in our slot. Within days of our launch Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil also arrived on the scene; it not only had bigger names like Drashti Dhami (he had given her Madhubala) and Arjun Bijlani etc, but also higher budgets. I will admit here that at first no one in the industry really gave us a chance.Things only started to change by December when the numbers began to rise.”
“Another big challenge came our way when Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3 launched in July this year; the entire unit was under tremendous pressure from brand Barun Sobti. I was more sanguine saying ‘let’s do our best’, the worst case scenario being that we will go off air. We have anyways nearly completed a year, which is no mean feat in itself in today times.”
“One major issue what I feel that needs to be addressed as budgets across the board are being rationalized, is that huge charging actors also need to take responsibility, if their shows tanks. Why should the poor producer bear all the burden? He anywyays does not share the IPR as well?,” exclaims Saurabh.
Coming back to the story of Mahek he says, “We have upped the level from normal story telling to high drama (death of Mahek look alike). Agreed it is a risk, but this way we might get lot of additional viewers as well as they need shock value to keep them on board.”
Saurabh is quite happy with the growth of both his leads. “Karan was a non actor who has really grown with time. Samiksha was always a great actor to boot. I am hopeful that as the entire Shauyra Arshi marriage track will pan out, our numbers should further rise.”
Looking ahead, he is also in talk for a few more TV projects. “Among all my shows I feel I have given my best in terms of efforts in Madhubala and Mahek. Ghulam on Life OK was good till it lasted. We could have gone on but the channel decided to end all shows and go for an image make over.”
Wish you all the best, Saurabh!!
