Benaifer Kohli, producer of iconic &TV show, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!, is very happy that the show will soon complete four years (2nd March). “It is a complete team effort. Apart from hubby Sanjay (who handles the creative), writer (Manoj Santosh), director (Shashank Bali), the cast and our technical crew, we all put in our best. And the end result is there for all to see.”
“I guess what works is the simple story; although our lead protagonists eye the neighbour’s wife, they are not lecherous. They don’t fall even for other pretty women who come into the picture from time to time. It’s just that the grass is greener on the other side.”
“I am very lucky to have got very professional lead actors. Saumya Tandon shot a lot before her pregnancy break. I want her back, but for any woman, her baby always must come first. Kudos to Shubhangi as well, for she joined at a very sensitive time, and since then, has gone from strength to strength. Winning the best actor award for 3 years in a row is no mean feat. Last but not the least is sweet guy Rohitashv Gaud, who can make me agree to stuff that nobody else can convince me of.”
“Our support cast is equally good; Teekha, Malkhan and Tillu are the epitome of those good-for-nothing school mates we all have seen. Even the always-sermonizing teacher is well-liked ”
Here, Benaifer, who had also produced the super hit show, FIR, adds that between her husband and her, she is the less liked. “But then it is OK, for I do draw the line when it comes to timing (she handles production). If I let people go early, it will force others to stay longer, which is not done.”
“Is it wrong to expect discipline if I always pay you on time? One year we were in the red, for our accountant had defrauded us. But we took loans so as not to default on dues. No wonder my 25-year old loyal camera and light men will always be by my side, come rain or shine.”
“Here I must thank the channel as well, for they have given us freedom, trusting our abilities. Mostly we don’t have deadline issues, but sometimes when people fall sick, things do get out of control.”
Looking ahead, apart from comedy, Benaifer might produce a thriller next. “I have a couple of concepts; let’s see. We prefer to go slow, opting to give full justice to what’s on hand. Our Bhabhiji spin-off, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, goes on air next month.”
Their other SAB TV show, Jijaji Chatt Par Hain, continues to do well.