‘I haven’t ever forgotten my marriage anniversary’

You are back on television once again but this time as producer.
Yeah...I started my acting career with serials like Circus and Fauji. I got to learn a lot of things. I got into films because of having worked in serials.

After Circus, you are once again working with Aziz Mirza on the television front.
Yes. Nothing would have been possible without Aziz Mirza’s expertise, advice, and guidance. I would have been nowhere without him.

What made you venture into TV when low TRPs have become the order of the day?
You need support and friends who think alike. We have been discussing this since last two-three years. There is risk for sure but NDTV Imagine was confident that we were competitive enough. I want the young people in my film production house Red Chillies to diversify into different arena.

What kind of programmes will your production house churn out?
There is nothing specific that we are planning for television. I have been a film producer for the last eight to nine years and have an acting experience of 20 years. I can bring a difference to television in terms of presentation of content. I will try to bring cinematic value to television.

Why did you choose title Ghar Ki Baat Hai for this sitcom?
It’s a good title. It has lyricism in it. We had another title called Devdas Ki Maut which was not so happening. The serial is about a family, their neighbours and different situations that they face in life thus its Ghar Ki Baat. If you ask me why comedy, personally I like comedy more than anything else.

Do you think this serial has your Ghar Ki Baat?
Well television industry doesn’t have that much money to have a set like my home. Jokes apart, it will have everybody’s ghar ki baat with lots of spice. Its first episode has Sumit Raghavan forgetting his anniversary. Interestingly, I haven’t forgotten my marriage anniversary yet. Even otherwise there are stories like these happening in my home too.

Will you be making a special appearance in the serial?
Yeah I will be making special appearance as and when required. We will try to rope in more special stars if required.