Patcy N in Mumbai
Aamir Khan launched the title song of his first television show Satyamev Jayate at The Lalit, in Andheri, a western suburb of Mumbai. The show is directed by Satyajit Bhatkal, a close friend of Aamir who wrote a book and directed a film on the making of his Oscar-nominated film Lagaan.
The title song is composed by Ram Sampath, the lyrics are by Prasoon Joshi and it is shot by Ram Madhvani. The song is sung by Ram Sampath (composer of Delhi Belly) and Kirti Sagathia (who sang in Delhi Belly).
Apart from the anthem song, there will a song in every single episode.
Aamir spoke very little about the show itself but opened up on what the show means to him.
Why a special song for this show?
I wanted an anthem song but I wanted a romantic song because I love my country. The lyric goes like this --Teri Zulf, Sulzhane Chala. Tere Aur Paas, Main Aane Chala. Jahan Koi Sur Na Ho Besura, Woh Geet Main Sunane Chala.
There is another beautiful verse Jaisa Bhi Hoon Apna Mujhe, Mujhe Yeh Nahi Hai Bolna, Kabil Ter Main Ban Sakoo, Mujhe Dwar Aisa Khol Na.
I think it is the highest level of love where you say I want to change myself if I have any shortcomings in me.
Mere Khoon Ki Har Boond Main, Sankalp Ho Tere Pyaar Ka, Kato Mujhe Toh Tu Bahe, Ho Surk Rang Har Dhar Ka, these are the beautiful lyrics written by Prasoon.
Ram has composed a great tune for this song, ad filmmaker Ram Madhvani shot this song.
What made you add songs to each episode?
With this show I want to reach the hearts of the people. Through songs you can reach the hearts of people which cannot be achieved just by words.
Tell us about Satyamev Jayate.
This show is the most important part of my life, I have done so many important films but if I have to say what is the thing closest to my heart, I would say it is this television show.
I have been working on this show for the past two years. It has been a wonderful journey, probably my most ambitious project till today.
But what is it about?
I am not going to talk much about the show because I want everyone to enjoy the show on television. It's about meeting the common man of India, connecting with India and its people. This show is connected to the lives of people of India.
'I have lied a few times'
What kind of experience did you have shooting for the show?
It was a great experience. I don't know whether people will like the show or not but for me, it was a learning experience. I have travelled throughout whole of India in the last two years. I have met people from all over India that I would not have met were it not for this show.
Several times I cried on the show. I cry easily, I am an emotional person. But some things hurt you when you see other people's problems.
I also met people who made me happy. People in our country are so inspirational, especially at the grass roots level. It was an enriching journey.
What did you learn from the people you met? Has anything changed in you?
I have to change a lot of thing in me. There was a time I would get upset about anything and would not have any relations with that person, I would shut my door, I would become judgmental.
I learnt that I should not be like this, it is my mistake, it is my immaturity, it is my childishness.
Every person has a reason why he behaves in a certain way. Just because you don't agree with that person doesn't mean you cut yourself off from that person. This is what I have learnt and I am trying to inculcate it in my life. I am trying to change.
Did you miss any state in the show?
I have roamed all over India because of this show and the places I couldn't reach those people came and met me. During the song we did not go to all the states, but for the show I went to most of the states.
Since the show is called Satyamev Jaytey, have you ever lied?
Yes, I have lied a few times and I am not happy with it. I tell very few lies. I start feeling small if I lie. Sometimes, I don't want to hurt the other person so I have lied. But I think that truth is better than a lie.
'I am happy to say I was recognised everywhere in India'
What made you name the show Satyamev Jayate?
It was Uday (Shankar, CEO of Star TV) who suggested the name, as it is the motto of our country.
Uday had come to me with a game show, but I did not wanted to do that, so he asked what I would like to do and I told him this idea.
We are trying to search for truth through this show, so the title was apt. But you can't register the name as it can be used by anyone, it belongs to all Indians. I was happy that everyone can use it.
We are trying to search for truth through this show, so the title was apt. But you can't register the name as it can be used by anyone, it belongs to all Indians. I was happy that everyone can use it.
What opportunity did this show give you?
When you become a film star, a celebrity, it becomes difficult to roam about. But this was a great opportunity to connect with people, meet them.
Did people know you wherever you went?
I am happy to say I was recognised everywhere.
What idea?
Okay, I will tell you, but not much.
In this show I connect with people, we are trying to understand ourselves, and understand our problems and how we can improve our lives. We are trying to get ahead in life together.
Why TV?
Television is a powerful medium; there is a TV in every house. This is my first step in this medium. I am fortunate that I am associated with Star -- they know everything about the medium and that has helped me a lot.
Initially, I was scared because I thought they may not understand me, but I enjoyed working with Star's creative and marketing team. They are non-compromising and they agreed to whatever we had planned. They shared their television experience with me.
'I was fascinated by how people left everything to watch Ramayan and Mahabharat'
Image: Title track of Satyamev Jayatey
Do you think the TRPs for the show will be good?
I have given my best to the show. I have no idea about TRPs. I am just trying to connect with as many people as I can and that is why I have chosen television as a medium.
The show will be telecast on Star Plus, Star World, Star Mazaa, Star Prabha, Star Jolsa,. It will also be dubbed in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kanada. We will be telecast on Doordarshan (DD1).
My show has to reach everywhere -- that is what I am concerned about. I m not concerned about TRPs. I want people to give me feedback after the show.
When everyone is doing reality shows why are you doing this kind of show? Are you nervous that people may not like it?
Yes, I am scared. I have taken a new route. Entertainment is not only about making people laugh. I want to connect with people's feelings. I want to enrich their lives.
I met an American writer who said 'the role of an entertainer is to contribute to the social fabric of the society and not just entertain, but to bring grace in the society'. I want to heal people.
Are you scared of saas-bahu serials that you took a Sunday slot for your show?
No. I asked for a Sunday morning slot because I was fascinated by how people left everything to watch Ramayan and Mahabharat telecast at that time. People are free on Sunday morning, there is no school or college and people can sit and watch together.
If you have been so busy for two years, how much time did you give to your wife Kiran?
I think I have given her lots of time. I have tried to balance. I think she is as passionate about what I doing as I am.
At this point of time she is looking after the home and baby. She is emotionally very much with me and without her support it will be very difficult for me to go through so deep and emotional an experience.
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