Pearl Grey is bringing back her baby Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya with its second season from 15 March on Star Bharat. This time around, the show will be produced by Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut. Pearl will be the Writer, Creative Producer and Show Runner and this gives her a new high.
Working again with Arhaan Behll and Pooja Gor, and taking ahead the story of Krishna and Pratigya has always been in her mind and she will see it happening very soon.
In a candid talk with IWMBuzz.com, Pearl Grey talks of her dream come true feeling of bringing Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2 on screens, on the lead, on Rajan Shahi and much more.
Excerpts:
You have worked on many stories and concepts in your long career. How close to your heart is the script of Pratigya?
Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya was my first show as a Creative Producer and Writer. It is like my first baby which was nurtured with a lot of love and honesty and definitely is most close to my heart.
When did the thought of getting Pratigya back bear fruit?
When I had given up hopes (laughs). Actually when I gave up that Pratigya 2 will happen, suddenly one day I received a call from the channel asking me for a script for Pratigya Season 2.Things later fell in place and I am happy that it is happening now.
What do you think will be the reconnect value for viewers when it comes to Pratigya?
Reconnect value has always been the characters of the show. People long to see them and our challenge is to give them the same characters with a twist. After 9 long years what the characters have become, where they stand and what are their new responsibilities are will be very interesting.
Your leads Arhaan Behll and Pooja Gor look the same as they did years back. Did that help you in projecting further their character graph?
Actually their look today compliments the story and the 9-year gap very organically. They both look as if they both have grown together, into more mature and beautiful individuals. Their chemistry is as it was, and it seems as though nothing has changed (smiles).
How is it to work with Pooja and Arhaan again?
Like always it is wonderful. They both are dedicated and an absolute delight to work with. I love writing their scenes because they pull it off so beautifully.
Take us through your memorable concepts and characters.
All my shows’ concepts are very different from the regular shows on air. They are real and controversial too. And the characters which are most popular in my shows are the ones which are dark and grey. Like Sajjan Singh and Krishna Singh from Pratigya, Samrat Singh from Doli Armaano Ki, and Kunal – Nandini from Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka. I think it’s because these characters are like us…real and relatable.
Do you think the manner in which a story is told on TV today has gone through changes?
Yes…content/ writing matters most and is proof with shows like Anupamaa and Imlie.
What gives you ultimate satisfaction as writer and showrunner?
Being a showrunner / creative producer on a show which I am writing as well. It definitely helps to translate what you have written through execution.
How is it to associate with Rajan Shahi for Pratigya 2?
Exciting and effortless. He trusts me with my creativity and gives me a free hand, which is amazing. There has always been mutual respect for each other’s work and creativity.
Directors Kut does not deal with concepts like this. Did it need a bit of convincing?
Not at all. Rajan was aware of Pratigya earlier too and had watched and loved it too. Also, he found the characters very different and interesting in Pratigya 1. So when I asked him if he would like to be a part of Pratigya 2, he excitedly agreed.
What are your expectations from the new edition of Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2?
I am giving my unconditional love and dedication to Pratigya 2. I believe in doing what you are supposed to do with all honesty and leave the rest to God. I just want people to give Pratigya 2 as much love that they had given earlier.
