After the success of the popular television shows, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Kichidi, actor-producer J D Majethia is one happy man.
Now, he has five shows running on television -- Baa Bahu Aur Baby on Star Plus, Ek Packet Umeed and Jayantilal Joshi Ki Joint Family on NDTV Imagine, Remote Control on 9X and Chaldi Da Naam Gaddi on Zee TV-- all produced by Hats Off Productions.
Rajul Hegde caught up with the producer for more.
When are you going start producing films?
I am going to produce films with Aatish Kapadia, writer and my business partner. Our first film will be on Star Plus' Khichdi, which is most likely to go on floors by the end of this year or beginning of next year. I will play the same character of Himanshu in Kichidi.
Reality shows are the new trend. Any plans of producing them?
Yes, at one point of time, I thought of a reality show on complete families and their values. I was working on the script. But before I could execute it, I saw a promo similar to mine. So I dropped the idea. Now I am working on something new and will talk about it at the right time.
I have no time for acting because I am producing shows. If I act, then the production house has to make a lot of adjustments for me.
Most of your serials are about Gujarati families. Is it because you are a Gujarati?
Ek Packet Umeed is a cosmopolitan show while Remote Control and Chaldi Da Naam Gaddi are about Maharastrain and Punjabi families, respectively.
But, yes, we are more comfortable doing shows on Gujarti families. We know our culture very well so it becomes easy for us.
How did you get the idea to do a show like Ek Packet Umeed?
We (Aatish and me) had the idea for this show even before we started our television career.
The show revolves around Umeed Bhavan, the family home for a group of women with unfortunate pasts. It is here that the women chart out a new lease of life for themselves.
Ek Packet Umeed is more of a women-oriented show?
Yes. It is supposed to be a women-oriented show. Some day we will do a male show too.
Compared to your other shows, Remote Control and Chaldi Da Naam Gaddi are not doing well. Any reasons?
Remote Control is a weekly show and the TRPs are really good. We are going to make some changes in Chaldi Da Naam Gaddi. Hopefully, it will work with the audience.
We audition newcomers too. We see where they fit and give them a chance. Sometimes, we repeat the cast because we save time if the actors are working for the same production house.
All your shows are different from each other. How do you get new ideas?
Everyday when I go for a morning walk, I generate one new idea. That is my motto in life. Whether it works or not, that is not important.