Producer Rajesh Ram Singh has been a noted Director for many years. His easy and fruitful transition from direction to producing TV shows has been noteworthy. Cockrow and Shaika Entertainment, owned by Pradeep Kumar and Rajesh Ram Singh, have given successful TV shows like Choti Sarrdaarni, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin.
In a candid and exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Rajesh Ram Singh talks about his smooth transition as Producer, on his shows that have worked and not worked and much more.
Excerpts:
Cockrow and Shaika Entertainment have had a very good run in the last few years with shows doing well. What has always been the main motto of your production house?
As a production house, we always think how different we can be as makers. There are so many production houses creating good content that has been successful. To be a little different, we have tried to not compromise on production values. We have got a lot of appreciation for Choti Sarrdaarni. Being new Producers on board, and with the kind of look and feel Choti Sarrdaarni had, many thought we were burning our pockets very badly. It did happen. We were like spending a lot, but never thought of profit. But that was important for us, to establish ourselves as a production house that does not believe in compromising on the product. This has given us a lot of mileage. We have won the trust of many channels, as Star Plus gave us a show after Choti Sarrdarni. We (Pradeep, Shaika, I and Piya) as producers have learnt to do our best without making any compromises. By the Grace of God, everything has been fine. We have been able to deliver quality work.
From direction to being a Producer, how has this journey personally been for you?
This is a very interesting question. Doing direction is my home ground. I enjoy a lot. It has been an obvious transition that I have wanted. I was a bit ambitious about turning Producer, and soon went on those lines. When you direct TV, there is a lot of pressure on giving a lot of footage to the Producer. I had never thought about it till the time I became one. When I became a Producer, I came to know that in TV production, a lot matters about the kind of footage that comes at the end of the day. For me, it was an interesting insight that I got. After becoming a Producer, I have learned the nuances of having two setups. I love being a Producer. But I don’t understand the economics. So for me, Pradeep, Shaika and Piya tell me where to stop.
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has been a popular show doing well with ratings. Tell us about its good run.
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has been a collaborative attempt. Initially, it started with Star Plus calling us to adapt Kusum Dola which was a huge hit. We were getting into the pandemic zone, and that was when work on Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin started. We were not able to go outdoors. Initially, the setup was to be based out in Jammu wherein the terrorist backdrop was to be given. However, we had to shift its base to Maharashtra, and that is how Nagpur came into the picture. It was Leenaji’s extraordinary writing, that helped Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin to come up beautifully. We squeezed the 100 episodes of the Bengali show in just 40 episodes of ours. After her story got over, we got into the new phase post the leap. Vishal, Renu, Vandana, Rajesh Chawlaji (writers) worked really hard in taking the characters to the next peak. We are lucky enough to get the perfect writing team. That is the reason why Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin is doing well. Now we have Vandana and Ghazala ji on board with the broad script. Sai Joshi, Virat and Pakhi are key characters and we would like to continue the good run.
There have been a few tracks in Ghum Hai that have received a negative buzz from a section of fans. How do you as a maker react to such tough situations?
As makers, it does matter to us how fans are reacting on social media. We really read all the views they put. Sometimes, we take it with a pinch of salt. There are times when they have boycotted the show. But numbers have always shown up in such a way that everyone has been happy about it. At the end of the day, negative feedback and negativity affect us. This is something where we need to be really cautious to know how much we need to react to such comments. It is a tough situation to be in. There are times when the show is doing well, but negative comments keep flowing in. In such cases, you don’t know how to react. But we believe in our story, and that is what matters.
Irrespective of all this, Ghum Hai has been doing well. What can viewers expect now in the show?
Yes, you are right. Ghum Hai has been doing very well. We are working towards giving the audience very interesting and gripping tracks in future too. Keep watching.
Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey and Harphoul Mohini, Muskuraane Ki Wajah Tum Ho did not work as per expectations. What is your take as a maker?
Yes, Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey was a collaboration with Leenaji. It was a hit show in Bengali. The channel was very excited about the show. The kind of characters that the show had, looked to be a breezy concept. Initially, it got good traction. But later on, probably the Hindi GEC viewers did not get the expected drama and twists. Some viewers were liking it. But it did not generate into numbers. Muskuraane Ki Wajah Tum Ho was again an interesting concept. I thought if we could have got a bit more time, it would have taken off better. Harphoul Mohini started off very well. The love story of a South Indian girl and Haryanvi boy was unique. But viewers seemed to have lost interest in the love story that we were banking on. As I say, everything cannot reach a set target. Having said this, we will continue to give our best.
Do you intend to get into the web space with your new content?
Yes, sooner or later, we will get into the web space. We are working on a film script at the moment. I have a few scripts for movies. Web is the future of the entertainment industry, so telling stories for this medium will also entice us. We should get into it, and we will.
What do you think is the right formula for success in TV?
There is no formula for success. We need to believe in our concept, get the right people, cast and crew for the same. The fate of a movie is seen on Fridays. However, in TV, a space of nearly four weeks will give a rough picture of whether the show has been accepted or not. At times, it gets tough to get viewers to watch shows when nothing is working. Frankly speaking, there is no formula for success. You need to plan and execute well, that’s it!!
Tell us about your new show Teri Meri Doriyaann?
Teri Meri Doriyaann is the next big expectation from our production house. This is again a remake of a Bengali show. We are hopeful about it. This is a big show for us. We are trying our best to make it look like a classy show. The story is very hard-hitting and we are hoping for the best.
