Talking point

From the trailers,the show seems to be modelled very closely on Dhirubhai Ambani’s life.

It’s based on Harkisan Mehta’s novel Mukti Bandhan. I suppose the reason people feel that it’s based on Ambani’s life is because their career graphs match. But this kind of rise to riches is a common tale around the world — even American capitalists like Henry Ford have similar life stories.

Few Indian television shows get adapted from literary works these days. Do you think it should happen more often?

It certainly should. It’s a relief to find a show that is based on a novel,because that gives it a solid base and a strong storyline. For Mukti Bandhan,Vipul Mehta has written the screenplay and Mihir Bhuta has written the dialogues,and they’ve done a good job. The strength of the concept shows through.

But do you think there are enough good television writers in India?

Our television writers are actually doing a commendable job. Considering the pressures they’re constantly working under,it’s amazing how they constantly come up with so many characters,dialogues,plots and scenes. It’s not easy to write for dailies.

The audience is looking forward to Mukti Bandhan because it feels there is something to learn from it. What would you say to that?

There is actually something inspirational in the story of a man who makes it big through sheer grit and determination. Look at all the great industrialists,whether it’s Tata or Birla or Ambani,all of them value hard work and tenacity. It got them to the heights they reached.

Of course,they amassed great wealth,but the point here is not about the money,it’s about working hard.

Do you think the television industry has changed much since you worked on Seahawks and Star Bestsellers?

There hasn’t been any drastic change,other than the growth in the number of people working here and the change in content. On the ground level,things remain the same — the cast and crew are always working hard. As for the changing content,it follows trends. Once saas-bahu dramas were popular,now reality shows are and tomorrow,it may be something else.

You’re well-known as a screenplay writer in Bollywood. Are you working on anything right now?

I’m working on a screenplay with Leena Yadav. Hopefully,it’ll be ready this year.