Dreaming Big

However,the latest bunch of newbies,much like Shetty,is a mix of people who developed television content in various capacities for the biggies — associate producer,writer,and creative producer among others — and have now expanded into production.

Rashmi Sharma was the creative head for shows such as Saat Phere,Piya Ka Ghar and Bidai,until she started Rashmi Sharma Telefilms in 2009. “I used to handle everything,from scripting to the telecast. The ideas my team and I would generate were often appreciated too. So,I decided to take my role forward,” says Sharma who has since produced Sasural Simar Ka,Saath Nibhana Saathiya and Mrs Kaushik ki Paanch Bahuein.

Even actors are now trying their hands at production. Take for example actor couple Sai Deodhar and Shakti Anand who own Thought Train Entertainment. Or even Bhairavi Raichura,known for her character of Kajal bai in Hum Paanch,who launched 24 Frames with Nandita Mehra,then the director of Uttaran. So while Mehra handles the creatives,Raichura is in charge of the finances. “I contribute to the production aspect — handling the execution,scheduling and budgeting,” says the producer of the social thriller Chhal-Sheh Aur Maat,which recently went off air.

A creative lot,writers often dislike it when their stories are meddled with by producers who may be focusing on profit-generation. This can sometimes cause an internal conflict within the team. So,for someone who has been on both sides,writer-director-turned-producer Sumeet Mittal of Shashisumeet Productions,finds it easier to merge the writing with execution. The production house currently has the successful Diya Aur Bati and Punar Vivaah on air. However,Mittal asserts that the market is getting tougher. “Earlier,there was limited content or only a set of ideas that shows stuck to. Now,with reality shows,game shows and participation of filmstars,the stakes are higher,” he says. Also,the exponentially growing market is keeping producers on their feet. “Earlier,big banners did seven to eight shows. Now,no one can hold on to so many productions,” says Raichura. “The audience doesn’t let us get into our comfort zones and that makes it all the more exciting,” she says.