Synopsis
Producer Nivedita Basu discusses how her 2004 show 'Kehna Hai Kuch Mujhko' was ahead of its time, similar to the contemporary hit 'Anupamaa'. She reflects on the audience's readiness and shares insights on Balaji Telefilms' evolution and her experiences with Ekta Kapoor.Key Takeaways
- Nivedita Basu reflects on the storytelling of 'Kehna Hai Kuch Mujhko' and its similarities to 'Anupamaa'.
- The audience's readiness plays a crucial role in a show's success.
- Personal experiences with Ekta Kapoor highlight the challenges faced during early days.
- The evolution of storytelling is essential to connect with viewers.
- Learning is a lifelong journey in the creative industry.
Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) Producer Nivedita Basu, who has been associated with Balaji Telefilms, disclosed that they ventured into progressive storytelling much earlier with a show called “Kehna Hai Kuch Mujhko” in 2004, which is reminiscent of the current hit “Anupamaa” starring Rupali Ganguly.
“We produced Kehna Hai Kuch Mujhko in 2004 featuring Pallavi Joshi—a narrative about a woman grappling with a mid-life crisis and reclaiming her identity,” shared Basu, who joined Balaji Telefilms in 2000.
She continued: “It was very similar to Anupamaa today. However, during that time, the audience was not prepared for it, which is why it failed to achieve the same acclaim that Anupamaa eventually did. With shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, we managed to touch a profound emotional chord,” she revealed.
She reminisced about her walks to Siddhivinayak with Ekta Kapoor twice a week, where “the older ladies would come and shower her with praise, while younger women would touch her feet.”
“It was incredibly touching for her, and it was their way of showing love and respect in the absence of social media back then,” stated Nivedita.
When discussing Balaji Telefilms' early challenges, she reflected on how Ekta Kapoor fought tenaciously to establish her empire.
“Ekta’s father, Jeetendra Ji, initially assisted her financially, but she encountered significant setbacks. When he granted her another opportunity, she was determined not to fail again. That was when she began creating successful content, driven by relentless passion,” she recounted.
She also noted the evolution of storytelling.
“In the past, the harsh realities of people’s lives prompted them to find solace in our shows. Even now, for a program to thrive, it must resonate with viewers. I believe that learning is a continuous journey. The moment I feel I'm no longer learning, I recognize that it’s time to explore new avenues.”
