Producer of ZEE TV's Astitva Ek Prem Kahani

ZEE TV's much popular soap Astitva Ek Prem Kahani is going from strength to strength and has won over many critics for its handling of such a unique subject of an older woman dating a younger lad. The soap also deals with adultery and many other subjects, which seem taboo in the Asian society. Biz Asia's Hemang Palan caught up with the producer of the hit soap Sangeeta Sinha to find out more.

How did the concept of Astitva come along ? Do you think the channel showing (ZEE TV) your soap is also a factor behind the success of the drama ?
The entire credit goes to Zee as they mooted me an idea to shoot a soap on an off-beat subject like this, very different from the common 'Saas-Bahu' ones. It was their novel thought to make such a serial based on a TRUE STORY - they knew well ! Thereafter, thanks to brilliant efforts put-in by the team of my writers, artists and the director Ajay Sinha; 'Astitva' is a well-known name in every household today. It is perhaps one of the most successful original story ever shot till date for a channel across Indian television industry.

Did you ever think Astitva would work as well as it has done so this far ? Were you in anyway hesitant in producing such a drama where a young lad falls in love with an older woman ?
Initially, we were bit apprehensive about Astitva's success. In the past - a decade ago, the film 'Lamhe' did not impress the audience and so, to shoot a soap with almost a similar kind of storyline was a tough task ahead of us. Deep down our hearts, we all feared the possibility of our serial getting shunned by the Indian audience in particular since they were pretty high on the 'K' series serials happening in the other channel. Fortunately, our confidence levels grew drastically as the shoots progressed. Today, it's been almost three years since 'Astitva' first hit the small screen. It's plus 400 episodes now. Astitva made an impact on its viewers as we could very well present the subject. Our efforts paid. The audience accepted Astitva as a very mature and practical story of a woman and the relationships with men in her life. We are proud to be a part of a show that explains a woman and her dilemmas in life so well.

The soap has proved hugely successful in the UK too, do you think the international viewers found the soap more easy to digest than the Indian audience ?
Many factors have attributed to Astitva's success in the UK. The international viewers are matured, educated and well-informed. They live in a scenario where perhaps the concept of 'Astitva' is not considered to be uncommon. Off-beat subjects like our's are perhaps more appreciated by the NRI audience; maybe because of the culture they live-in being much different from that prevailing in India. Moreover; the strong presence of Zee and the absence of Star TV as an established old brand in the UK, helped us a lot.

What is the scope of comedy on Indian television ? Why has this genre failed to tickle Indian audiences ?
A well-shot comedy can always prove to be a good bet on Indian television, I think. Unfortunately; the audience in India till-date has failed to accept quality humour produced, barring very few exceptions. I believe, Indian people do not understand the wit; well.

Do broadcasters interfere in the creativity ? How would you react to that ?
If broadcasters interfere in the creativity, the quality of work suffers obviously. Fortunately, it has never happened with me. I've worked only for ZEE till-date since 1995 I ventured into software production. ZEE has never ever tried to hijack any of my thoughts scripted. At the most, they've parted me few good suggestions the marketing point of view while producing their serials. Mine has always been a pleasant experience & rapport with Zee.

Mothers and daughters usually have such a great bond in films and soaps but the mother character of Simran was killed off at such an early stage resulting in the close relationship between Simran and her father (Alok Nath). What was the reason for this ?
We needed the change as it was very well scripted pretty much in advance. To twist the serial, a close relationship between father & daughter we felt was necessary & inevitable. The move has been well appreciated by most of the viewers.

The introduction of Abhimanyu #2 has twisted the story a little This as changed a lot of the storyline, do you think this switch has worked as you intended to ? Will we ever see Simran and Abhimanyu #1 back together again ?
The character of Abhimanyu #2 was introduced right in the first episode of 'Astitva'. Thereafter, we slowly seeded him in the serial. His introduction fortunately got a good response from the viewers. And; keep your fingers crossed, just wait & watch to see whether Simran and Abhimanyu #1 are back together again or not!

The actress playing Kiren changed in 2003 due to other commitments, has the new Kiren been received well and how do you respond when an actor or actress decides to give in their notice to leave an ongoing soap ?
It's all part of the game. Artists are always in search of better opportunities. The original Kiren left us as she got an offer to do a Punjabi film. Fortunately, the new Kiren has been received well. Of course, some of the artists' lack of moral commitments towards their work is an agony for most of the producers. And, I am no exception to that. But; perhaps, that's the reason why world is said to be not a perfect place !

Where do you see Astitva in a year from now ?
We would wind-up most probably in June/July 2005. Although, it's a hit show, we would like to end it as it's been a long story.

What else have you got planned ? Future projects ? Any more soaps ?
Soon, we are to commence a new soap for ZEE titled 'An Chhue'. As soon as I finalise the two new talented fresh faces - the heroines I am looking for, we'll start the shoots. We are amidst the process of auditioning girls for the role across cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Lucknow etc as we need extremely good actresses.

Interviewed conducted by Hemang Palan for Biz Asia.