ITV

Tag: kashmeer

  • “I don’t believe half-baked shows are accepted by viewers”: Aditya Singh Contiloe Films

    “I don’t believe half-baked shows are accepted by viewers”: Aditya Singh Contiloe Films

    When Aditya Singh and brother Abhimanyu started their production house Contiloe Films Private Ltd in 1996, all they had was a vision in mind. For the first three years, the duo made serials for Doordarshan. Today, Contiloe has carved a niche for itself with serials like Krishna Arjun (earlier called Krishna Sharma CA), Rahen Na Rahen Hum, Sshhh… Koi Hai and Kashmeer on Star Plus.

    Together, Aditya and Abhimanyu have a agreement – while Aditya is involved in conceiving and developing concepts and marketing them to the channel, Abhimanyu takes over the production and the actual execution of projects.

    However, of late, the duo admit they are broadening their horizons. Abhimanyu is getting more involved with the creatives and Aditya is focusing on evolving the company’s future plans for growth, including recruitments.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Vickey Lalwani spent some quality time with Aditya to understand his views on various aspects of the television industry and his plans for the future. Excerpts from the interview:

    How do you view the progress of Contiloe Films?
    We are going as per plan. We have consolidated our company and have made a mark. Sometimes, however, one cannot achieve all that one has planned to. There are various fluctuations in the market besides changes in the dimensions of entertainment. All said and done, it’s been a satisfying experience.

    ‘Krishna Arjun’ was earlier titled ‘Krishna Sharma CA’. Were you disappointed that the original comedy show, intended to tackle real life issues, did not work?
    When Krishna Sharma CA started off, we planned to take up social causes on the lines of the popular Priya Tendulkar serial Rajni.

    But there was no question of disappointment, when it didn’t work out – we were confident that we could turn it around. Actually, we were running out of issues. So we modified it into a show which would cater to kids. Fortunately, Star Plus supported the show in its new avatar. And we succeeded in making it more entertaining and gripping.

    You seem to have a special equation with Star. Any reasons for that?
    We sit with ideas, we build upon them – we do everything to make the programmes better. Because we know we need to sustain the viewers’ interest. We need to ensure that the TRPs don’t drop.

    Today, television is all about the support a subject gets in terms of budget for execution and promotion. It’s essential that the production house and channel understand each other’s needs, thrash out their differences, meet on common ground and pour in the creative inputs collectively. It’s so comfortable and stimulating if the producer and the broadcaster are on the same level.

    We don’t want innovations and inventions to take a backseat. It’s very easy to do five daily soaps without doing justice to any of the projects. I don’t believe half-baked shows are accepted by the viewers.
    “Comedy requires tremendous skill in terms of writing and language. It is a very special genre, especially in India“
    A still from Krishna Arjun

    You started working with DD Metro. Currently, why don’t you have any show on Doordarshan?
    For the last four to five years, DD has been trying to figure out which direction to take. Anyway, we don’t want to spread too broadly and lose control of all the good work we have done. When the time is right, we might work with DD. Not immediately.

    Why did ‘Kashmeer’ stop abruptly?
    Kashmeer was supposed to have about 18-20 episodes. But around the13th episode, we realised that the show was getting very sensitive. So we veered a bit and kept the track going with the focus on the love angle. But after some editing, the serial was complete in 17 episodes.

    Would you take up production of another serial on a sensitive issue like that of ‘Kashmeer’ again?
    Why not? I think we handled it pretty well.

    ‘Krishna Arjun CA’ started off as a comedy but later changed tracks. Even generally, soaps are more in number than sitcoms, on any channel. Why this trend?
    Soaps are perhaps the easiest to make. Comedy requires a tremendous amount of skill in terms of writing and language. It is a very special genre, especially in India. What might be funny for a Punjabi might not be funny for a Bengali and vice versa.

    Do you intend making soaps?
    Yes, that’s a part of our agenda in our forthcoming round of programming. We’ll try our very best to be different. But don’t expect a total turnabout. The backdrop would be different from other soaps but the focus and thrust can’t go beyond emotion and drama. One thing I can say, we’ll definitely make it more interesting and pacy; we won’t let the show drag unnecessarily.

    Other plans?
    We plan to make documentaries for the international market. Also, I see good scope in making short films which could initially be released in theatres, followed by a television telecast after a period of time. I am not ruling that out for Contiloe Films. But yes, short films would need a lot of content. At the end, I see myself producing a movie.

    Do you plan to produce telefilms?
    Not as yet. Telefilms are not happening. Makers are looking at compelling viewership, which is difficult for telefilms to generate. We have to go by the current market trend. Right now, television is happening.

    But as and when the time is right, we would certainly indulge in making telefilms. The phase of telefilms will come back. But nobody can tell when exactly would that be.

    A still from ‘Kashmeer’    		 “Producers, who deliver on quality and don’t maximise profits by cutting costs, don’t suffer. You can’t keep a good man down; you can’t trample on good work“

    What are the disappointments, if any, that you have felt along the way as a TV producer?
    None as yet. I know people complain about the formation of lobbies by certain production houses which get all the work from various channels. But then, doesn’t the channel have the right to trust people who have delivered well and in time?

    Producers, who deliver on quality and don’t maximise profits by cutting costs, don’t generally suffer. You can’t keep a good man down; you can’t trample on good work.

    Are film based shows (like ‘Jubilee Plus’) more profitable propositions than soaps?
    Difficult to say. Because we haven’t ventured into soaps as yet. We haven’t sat and worked it out in detail.

    Last year, you had told indiantelevision.com in an interview: “I foresee a great scope for news-based programming, which I plan to get into in a big way”. Any progress on that front?
    As a company, we look at short-term gains, middle-term gains as well as long-term gains. To me, news-based programming figures as a medium and a long-term gain…

    As for venturing into news shows, I am ready if I am supported by my broadcaster. If I get a broadcaster like Star who pays me well, never delays my payment and compensates me for something that I have shot but they couldn’t telecast, then why not?
    Do you believe in TRPs?
    Certainly. It’s a very scientific method.

    Your views on CAS…
    If implemented in a slow and sure phase, it would help. The concept is good. But if implemented at gunpoint, it wouldn’t make sense.

    Distribution in India is a major problem. Nothing happens overnight. But I fear that when CAS is implemented, many lower-middle class viewers will be forced to opt out of the pay channel packages due to money constraints. The effects could be more traumatic than we can imagine. People have become so dependent on television now that I wonder what they would do without most channels!
    Post-CAS, do you think production quality will suffer, especially if channels start granting lesser funds than before?
    Maybe, but in that case, you can’t blame the channel either. Channels are doing their business. Which businessman can ignore a loss? However, in such a case, producers may even start raising the quality of their content in order to get noticed.
    You are partnering with Cinevistaas for post-production facilities. But you had said earlier that you would be setting up your own post-production house.
    We have a very comfortable working relationship with Cinevistaas. Presently, we are doing Sshhh… Koi Hai as a joint venture with them. Our other shows on air- Krishna Arjun, Jubilee Plus etc are being done independently by us. We have also set up our own post-production unit.
    Are women producers more successful on Indian television?
    This is a recent trend and has to do with the women-centric soaps on television, of late. But I wouldn’t read much into it.

  • ‘Kashmeer’ to wind up earlier than scheduled

    MUMBAI: Kashmeer, the serial, which brought a whiff of fresh air into soap laden Star Plus is winding up in 17 episodes (on 8 May) instead of the scheduled 26. 
    A love story with militancy and terrorism as the backdrop, Kashmeer was launched with a lot of fanfare on 16 January at 9 pm. One of the mega shows launched by Star Plus at the beginning of this year, it has some well known Bollywood names like Farooq Shaikh, Suresh Oberoi, Salim Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Nirmal Pandey, Smita Jayakar, Lushin Dubey, Neelima Azim, Vineet Kumar, Vishal Singh, Ankur Nayar and Gul Panag among the cast.


    “We cut down on the number of episodes because we realised that the story could be wound up in 17 episodes. It is a start to finish series and since there was no story line or characters that we could work on, we reduced the series to 17 instead of the scheduled 26. It is primarily a tale of time, hence we didn’t want to stretch the series needlessly,” says Contiloe Films producer Abhimanyu Singh.
    The artistes, some of whom were apparently caught unawares by the announcement, have a different story to narrate though. Well known actor Smita Jayakar has lashed out saying, “I am really disappointed that the episodes have been cut down. We were told that the decision was taken because the channel felt that it was not getting the desired ratings.The serial has got rave reviews and a good response from the audience. If one remembers the so called saas bahu sagas on air also started out with modest TRPs, Kashmeer has definitely fared better. There should be a limit to channel interference….,” she said.
    Acclaimed actor Farooq Shaikh agrees. “We all put in our efforts to be part of something different, something significant and of value to our country instead of the same old dreary soaps and we are told that because it didn’t get the expected ratings its being cut down by nine episodes. It is indeed unfortunate,” says Shaikh.
    Gul Panag, however, doesn’t see it like that. “While signing the contract, we were told that the series could finish anywhere between 13 to 26 episodes. The serial has Bollywood greats like Suresh Oberoi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Nirmal Pandey to name a few, who cannot shell out time for a soap that would go on for two to three years. It is a call that the channel and production house have taken.”


    Thus, the bottom line is that like all good things, Kashmeer too, will come to an end. The only difference is that the end will come sooner than expected.

    Also read: 
    Star Plus unveils ‘Kashmeer’ next week 
    ‘Kashmeer’ – Guns and Roses 
    Big money riding on shows launching this month

  • Star completes clean sweep of Top 50

    Star completes clean sweep of Top 50

    MUMBAI: It had to happen some day! Star Plus has completed a clean sweep of the Top 50 shows for the first time.

    Star’s supreme dominance has been highlighted in the ratings for the week 26 January – 1 February for C&S 4+, eight cities + UP, one million plus towns.

    Consider the sheer domination of the top programmes: Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi features eight times; Shaka Laka Boom Boom features five times; Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Shagun, Bhabhi, Kaahin Kissi Roz feature four times; Kumkum features three times, Shararat, Krishna Arjun, Kumkum, Khichdi, Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr, Kashmeer, Ssh …Koi Hai, Karishma Ka Karishma, Son Pari, Kuch Kar Dikhana Hai, Sanjivani, Khullja Sim Sim, Kehta Hai Dil, Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand feature once.

    Mindshare Fulcrum MD Vikram Sakhuja says: “Star TV spent the year 2002 in expanding its audience base and increasing it to a certain pre-determined critical mass. They persisted with the saas-bahu themes in order to attain their objectives. The next step involved the process of guiding this mass and exposing them to different programming genres or options. In the beginning of the year, Star launched an intelligent mix (cache) of new programmes – game shows, kids’ shows, variety shows, amongst others. The impressive results simply demonstrate that their strategy is succeeding.”

    A Salomon Smith Barney report released in January 2003 says that Star Plus’ dominance is commendable, considering the fact that the channel broadcasts several one-hour shows from Monday to Friday. The channel could have fewer entries from its Monday – Friday prime-time slot in the TAM Top 100 programme list; whereas Zee and Sony have more opportunities because they have 30-minute shows pitted against Star.

    Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, Kehta Hai Dil, Khullja Sim Sim, Sanjivani, Ssh…Koi Hai, Kashmeer are the shows which have a duration of one hour plus.

    However, Star could gain phenomenally if it beefs up its marketing and communication efforts in the southern markets as this could complement the dominance in the western belt, say industry sources.

    Till someone comes up with an innovative concept or theme, it looks as if Star is going to be quite lonely at the top.

  • Gul Panag opens Bollywood innings with ‘Dhoop’

    Gul Panag opens Bollywood innings with ‘Dhoop’

    MUMBAI: Gul Panag, the former Femina Miss India Universe recently seen in Star Plus’ Kashmeer, has commenced her Bollywood innings with an Om Puri starrer called Dhoop. Dhoop is supposed to be a post-Kargil drama – the true-life story of the parents of a young captain who lays down his life for his country.

    Panag’s co-stars include bigwigs Om Puri, south-based star Revathy and the handsome Sanjay Suri of Filhaal fame. To be released in July 2003,Dhoop is being directed by Ashwini Chaudhary who has worked with Prakash Jha.

    When queried about her TV stint, Panag informs indiantelevision.com: “Kashmeer cannot be branded as a TV serial. It is a 26-episode series with the look and scale of a feature film. The overall treatment and impact is unlike anything else seen on TV. However, I must say that the phenomenal response which I got from acting in Kashmeer must be four times that of what I got after bagging the Femina title.”

    Panag bagged the film Dhoop when art director Chokas Bharadwaj (who is also doing Kashmeer) and producer Saket Bahal referred her name to director Chaudhary.

    It is suprising to note that Panag is not making her debut in an out-and-out commercial film with lots of romance. ‘Well, I have had my share of glamour due to the Femina title and my modelling stint. I wish to concentrate on quality performances. Working with seasoned actors such as Farooque Shaikh and Suresh Oberoi in Kashmeer has given me a different perspective. There is always this urge to try one’s best in their presence,” says Panag.

    The shooting for Dhoop commences on 19 February 2003. Well, Panag had better remember the above-mentioned words as she will be rubbing shoulders with two accomplished players – Om Puri and Revathy – who have won National awards.

    Dhoop is inspired by a real life story of professor of Economics from Delhi University. It is not a typical war-film but narrates the story of the trials of a martyr’s father who fights the system. Along with his grieving wife, the main protagonist wages a battle against callous bureaucrats and government officials. Om Puri, Revathy play the main characters with Panag and Suri as the young couple.

    Revathy, the south Indian star, has chosen a Hindi film after a long time. Currently, she has another Tamil film on the floors and is pretty selective about scripts.

    The name of the film, Dhoop, signifies the aftermath of war once the guns have been silenced. It studies the impact of war on human beings who live and constantly struggle against the inflexible system.

  • Gul Panag opens Bollywood innings with ‘Dhoop’

    MUMBAI: Gul Panag, the former Femina Miss India Universe recently seen in Star Plus’ Kashmeer, has commenced her Bollywood innings with an Om Puri starrer called Dhoop. Dhoop is supposed to be a post-Kargil drama – the true-life story of the parents of a young captain who lays down his life for his country.

    Panag’s co-stars include bigwigs Om Puri, south-based star Revathy and the handsome Sanjay Suri ofFilhaal fame. To be released in July 2003,Dhoop is being directed by Ashwini Chaudhary who has worked with Prakash Jha.

    When queried about her TV stint, Panag informs indiantelevision.com: “Kashmeer cannot be branded as a TV serial. It is a 26-episode series with the look and scale of a feature film. The overall treatment and impact is unlike anything else seen on TV. However, I must say that the phenomenal response which I got from acting in Kashmeer must be four times that of what I got after bagging the Femina title.”

    Panag bagged the film Dhoop when art director Chokas Bharadwaj (who is also doing Kashmeer) and producer Saket Bahal referred her name to director Chaudhary.

    It is suprising to note that Panag is not making her debut in an out-and-out commercial film with lots of romance. ‘Well, I have had my share of glamour due to the Femina title and my modelling stint. I wish to concentrate on quality performances. Working with seasoned actors such as Farooque Shaikh and Suresh Oberoi in Kashmeer has given me a different perspective. There is always this urge to try one’s best in their presence,” says Panag.

    The shooting for Dhoop commences on 19 February 2003. Well, Panag had better remember the above-mentioned words as she will be rubbing shoulders with two accomplished players – Om Puri and Revathy – who have won National awards.

    Dhoop is inspired by a real life story of professor of Economics from Delhi University. It is not a typical war-film but narrates the story of the trials of a martyr’s father who fights the system. Along with his grieving wife, the main protagonist wages a battle against callous bureaucrats and government officials. Om Puri, Revathy play the main characters with Panag and Suri as the young couple.

    Revathy, the south Indian star, has chosen a Hindi film after a long time. Currently, she has another Tamil film on the floors and is pretty selective about scripts.

    The name of the film, Dhoop, signifies the aftermath of war once the guns have been silenced. It studies the impact of war on human beings who live and constantly struggle against the inflexible system.

  • New shows keep the tempo going at Star Plus

    New shows keep the tempo going at Star Plus

    MUMBAI: Some observers wondered whether Star India’s management had gone bonkers. Entertainment sweepstakes leader Star Plus was launching a clutch of new high cost shows just before the biggest Indian television spectacle – the cricket World Cup which is likely to eclipse all other television viewing.

    But apparently Star India’s management and programming team knows what it is doing. And that has been bolstered by the ratings the newly launched shows have notched up. Kashmeer, Kucch Kar Dikhana Hai, Shararat-Thoda Jaadu Thodi Nazaakat, Karishma Kaa Karishma, all figure in TAM India’s C&S homes Top 50 list for week four, 2003.

    The new fare on Star Plus is a mix bag of soaps, serials, game shows. The entire promotional campaign revolving around the new launches seems to have encouraged sampling amongst the viewers.

    A Star press release says that the Friday line-up, Karishma Kaa Karishma, opened with a rating of 5.8, Kucch Kar Dikhana Hai with 7.9 and Shararat-Thoda Jaadu Thodi Nazaakat with 6.8 (Source TAM, C&S 4+, 9 cities).

    The TAM ratings for week 4 show that Star Plus continues to hold on to the top position and have a grip over the viewers week after week.

    To top it all Star Plus in week 4 has managed to capture even more slots of the 50, with its share of the top programmes amongst Hindi entertainment channels going up to 47. Sony Entertainment has the remaining three whereas Zee has drawn a blank.

    The 9:00 -10:00 pm shows have also attained all-time high ratings with Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand at 11.0 (as against second placed Sony’s Kkusum at 3.5) on Monday, Kehta Hai Dil with 8.1 (as against second placed Kkusum at 3.5) on Tuesday; and Sanjivani -A Medical Boon with 9.7 (as against second placed Kkusum with 3.8) on Wednesday.

    The release states that Star Plus also touched its highest ever all-week 24-hour share of 15.4 per cent in week 4 of 2003 as compared to 15.1 per cent in the week 27 October- 4 November 2002.

    The shares for the Monday-Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 pm. slot stood at an astonishing 43 per cent, the release points out. Regional cable with 10 per cent and Sun TV with 6 per cent followed suit.

  • Star Plus unveils ‘Kashmeer’ next week

    MUMBAI: The first salvo has been fired. 


    Star Plus, which has planned a slew of new serials before World Cup cricket starts next month, has firmed up plans for the first of the lot, a mega scale serial that’s aimed at raking in the viewers. Kashmeer will commence airing on 16 January at 9 pm, the time when Zee airs its weekly blockbuster.


    Debuting as an actor in the serial is Gul Panag, who was the co host of the karaoke show Kismey Kitnaa Hai Dam , which goes off on its seasonal break when Kashmeer launches.
    According to an official release, Kashmeer has been shot  in the picturesque valleys and mountain terrain of the northern state. It is a one-hour love story with militancy and terrorism as the backdrop starring Farooque Sheikh, Suresh Oberoi, Salim Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Nirmal Pandey, Smita Jaykar, Lushin Dubey, Neelima Azim, Vineet Kumar, Vishal Singh and Ankur Nayar besides Gul Panag.