Creativity is very subjective: Ravindra Gautam

Producer Ravindra Gautam has made quite a mark in the industry. His current show Meri Durga has been doing exceedingly well and the producer says that the show has taught him a lot. “I feel elated with such a good response and get huge inspiration to do better stuff with such different storylines. Actually, the success of Meri Durga has inspired me to look into not so regular concepts and the show has also proven that there also is life beyond regular Saas-bahu sagas,” he says.

Having been a director himself, there are times when he feels differently than the person who is directing, says Ravindra. “It happens many times. Creativity is very subjective. A creative POV always changes from person to person. I may have a totally different outlook on a scene and the director may look at it totally differently. So I always make it a point to brief all creatives, directors, on the show so that we all are on the same page and as the channel looks at the show from my perspective, I always tell them how I have conceived a scene and to execute it likewise,” he says.

Ravindra has never minced his words and have stood up for things that matter to him. He has often expressed his concern with kids participating in reality shows. However, these still continue. “See they will never stop till the parents understand that a fruit is only plucked when mature. Early ambitions of parents have mostly ruined a child's childhood and his future. It's good to promote a child's talent as it boosts his confidence but a parent must know where to draw a line. For everyone else, it's a money-spinning business and they won't shy away from playing with a child's emotions or showering mindless accolades just to fetch TRPs,” he says.And what is the secret behind successfully casting children in shows? “First and foremost a child must look and behave like a child which is so hard to find these days. We cast a child to portray childhood and if that only is missing what's the use. I was really lucky to find Ananya Agarwal as young Durga whose innocence as a child was totally intact. And all credit goes to her parents for keeping her childhood intact,” he says.

TV has changed a lot over the years. While mythological shows often have an extravagant budget, the budgets of regular shows have really been toned down, says Ravindra. “Leave aside some mythological/ historical shows, regular TV shows are seeing a decline in budgets. Also, off late, since some small budget shows are performing well on TRP charts, they have become a new model for broadcasters,” he says.

With so many options in the digital space, the audience has taken to watching their shows online. However, this can never replace TV, says Ravindra. “TV and Netflix have a totally different audiences. TV has reached the length and breath of our country's interiors and we must cater to their tastes. Netflix and other digital platforms have an urban base even of the youth. Let's not confuse ourselves when we say youngsters or the youth are moving away from TV. There are just a small fraction which belongs to the urban category. Youth in the interiors still don't have access to high end data network and still watch TV only. Shows must always be made keeping in mind the television audience,” he says.

In fact, TV producers have a big responsibility on their shoulders. “TV goes inside the homes of people and families, who watch it together. So I feel it has the power to bring about the biggest of change and if we as makers can contribute in making a better society, it'll be a great way to give back to the society from which we derive all our stories,” he says.

Being a public figure is not easy and Ravindra has had his share of problems in this area. He was confused with someone who tweeted against actor Priyanka Chopra and was ridiculed on social media. “Little is a small word for the harshness public figures receive. It's so hard for them to maintain and live and enjoy a personal life. There might be many pros of these social networking apps but the ease it has given to anyone and everyone to comment rebuke abuse celebs is the worst disadvantage,” he says.

The producer-director’s journey has been long and he has overcome many obstacles along the way. “Hardships were many, some still continue but it all depends on how you look at those hardships. I have always taken them as challenges and tasks one needs to overcome to reach a summit. Any hardship has the capability to break you or make you stronger, it's the way you look at it,” he says.

Being sexy is much more than having a good body: Vivian Dsena

Here is some great news for the fans of actor Vivian Dsena. The actor has been featured in the Top Sexiest Asian Men 2017 list, released by London-based paper Eastern Eye. In fact, the actor has ranked 4th and has beaten actor Fawad Khan who's on number 6. 

“I am really thankful and grateful to my fans that they voted for me and showed me so much love. This is the 6th time in a row that they have put me on the list,” he says, adding, “People have this perception that only a good body means sexy. I have not had six-pack abs since so many years and neither do I intend to have them, unless required for a role. A good personality is more important, it's all about how you carry yourself.” 

Ask him what is the best compliment that he has got for the way he looks, and he says, “People have said that whatever I wear, I look comfortable and that's the whole idea. I don't wear something which I am not comfortable in. If you are not comfortable with what you are wearing, and if you are faking it, it will show. So I guess you got to be comfortable in what you are wearing and how you carry yourself.” 

While many actors give physical appearances importance, Vivian disagrees. “I don't think so because I don't think only good looks can do justice to an actor’s life. You need to be good at acting as well. Being a good actor is more important than looking good. In India, where television is such a big medium, you need to connect with the audience eventually. There are so many good looking people but ultimately we all know there are only top 10 good actors in the industry. Looks are important but they are not mandatory,” he says. 

And what is it that he loves about the way he looks? “I wanted to keep working on my body but due to the injury set back, I couldn't. I can still look much better and fitter which I was during Khatron Ke Khiladi and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. The injury set back did not let me workout and run and I think I will bounce back. As far as my whole personality is concerned people say my eyes are the most important part of my personality and I don't have to say my dialogues, they speak it all. I think that's my strength,” he says. 

Being sexy is a lot more than looking good, says Vivian. “Having a good personality, carrying yourself well and having a good aura when you walk,” he adds. 

Meanwhile, the actor, who is seen as Harman in Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, has been getting a great response from the audience. “People are loving it. I am sure that every girl f will wish to have a husband like Harman because he doesn't discriminate between a normal girl and a transgender,” he says.

Shashank Vyas on being part of most sexy list: This was unexpected

Actor Shashank Vyas is on cloud nine these days. He has been featured in the Top Sexiest Asian Men 2017 list, released by London-based paper Eastern Eye. “This was totally unexpected. Of course, it feels great to be appreciated,” he says. 

Ask him what is the best compliment that he has got on the way he looks, and he says, “I got a compliment on Twitter from my fans saying that next year you'll be in top 10 and they are very sure of it!” 

The actor feels that looking good goes a long way in the industry. “How you look physically which show initially. So it is important. There is no doubt about that,” he says. 

And what does he love about the way he looks? “I like my hair and smile. I'm working on my physic, that is a hard task,” he says. 

Where fashion is concerned, Shashank has always prioritized comfort. “Fashion which has comfort obviously works for me. My style statement is being confident, with a pleasing personality,” he says.

TV frat divided on restricted time slot for condom ads on TV

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has restricted the time slots for condom ads to play between 10 pm-6 am. While some telly actors agree with the decision, some feel that it doesn’t make sense.

Sshrey Pareek: I think they should restrict the video in which our ads campaign show bold images as that might affect children. If they just show normal information about the product without any video, that can be helpful. And showing after 10 is not the solution. Today’s kids watch TV after 10 also so what's the point!

Rashami Desai: Why would anybody want stop spreading awareness? This issue needs to be dealt with in a smarter way. It’s important to educate the masses rather than keeping them away from such content.

Gurpreet Singh: Well, everybody knows what a condom is. In lieu of restricting condom ads timing, there should be conditions for portraying condom ads. The purpose of a condom is to take precaution and the purpose of the ad is to let people know about the brand. I suggest that in lieu of exhibiting intimate pictures or video, a simple informative ad should be done. Otherwise, the decision to restrict condom ads to the 10 pm to 6 am is not deplorable.

Gavie Chahal: Ban on condom ads is not the solution. There should be regulation on content being broadcast. In fact why only a condom ads? there are plenty of more stuff, even songs etc, where the content is not suitable to watch for kids so I believe strict content guideline should be there too.

Gunjan Utreja: The issue is that condom ads do not educate. Instead of educating people about its benefits, it’s only an erotic visual trying to sell a product. So I can understand how it may have an adverse effect on kids or can be embarrassing to watch the same with your family. We need to have more educating condom ads which will help us.

Sehban Azim: After persistently asking my parents, when I was too young about condoms, my parents told me condoms and sanitary napkin were diapers for an adult. But soon I did find out the reality and at that time there was only Doordarshan and no internet. Now if you go tell the same thing to a kid in 2017, he probably might correct you and provide you with the right information. I think it's all out there and we should educate them rather than hiding any information.

Sheeba: I think it's perfectly alright. I, being a mother to teenagers, found it tough to explain condoms to my kids when they were younger.  Post 10:00 pm, the kids who need to know about them would be awake and it would be fine, quite sensible.

Eijaz Khan: The Information and Broadcasting ministry comprise of educated individuals, I guess more educated than me. They know what they are doing and whatever they have done is probably after doing a series of surveys. I don't even want to validate this question by giving a straight answer. Yes, sometimes the condom ads are very hot and steamy, etc but you see these ads during your films, on the internet. You cannot regulate all these things. I think as a child, when I saw that nirodh ad and asked  my father, he kind of explained it to me that it was something to do with adults and birth control. I understood much later. Anything and everything that initiates a dialogue with teenagers, especially when it comes to safe sex, should not be relegated to10 pm to 6 am. I think it's a need of the hour especially in the most populated country like ours. Having said that, the ministry consists of intelligent and more educated, they probably know what they are doing.

Saurabh Pandey: I can understand the fact that for some families it can be odd to sit together, when a condom ad plays on TV. Family members might feel odd or kids might just ask parents that what the product is and some people might not be able to explain kids. But I think elders are mature enough to handle such situations. But if we think we are trying to hide something by blocking condom TV ads from 10 pm to 6 am then I guess it's not going to help much because anyways we see condom ads at many other places such as the internet, online videos, posters, medical shops etc.

Tinaa Dattaa: I agree with this dictate. I feel that in a country like India, it is very difficult to explain such things to kids. You need to do it at the right time. And that cannot be determined by when these ads play on TV.

Hrishikesh Pandey: I personally think that it doesn't make any sense, 10 o'clock or 6'o clock, everybody watches television late in the night also. It's a world of the internet and everyone has an access to it be it computer or cellphones. What we are talking here is about the education that we are imparting. There is nothing wrong with it, so I think it makes no sense doing something like this. In fact I think it's absolutely stupid. This is giving sex education which is good and if they have to cut down on something it should be the sites that impart vulgar information.

Sneha Wagh: Nothing against the restriction of condom ads but aren’t we suppose to be more vocal about sex education and not just shy away all the time? We are taking everything from the west, why not the way they educate kids about biological tools since childhood. So there is no weird curiosities and awkwardness and unwanted thoughts. Safe Sex is an important part of education. Not sultry but educative Condom ads should be given support by the ministry.

Siddharth Roy Kapur signs on director Vinil Mathew and writer Sudip Sharma for a dramatic thriller inspired by true events

Siddharth Roy Kapur has signed director Vinil Mathew and screenwriter Sudip Sharma for his next film to be produced under the Roy Kapur Films banner.

Vinil Mathew is a renowned ad filmmaker who made his feature film debut with the acclaimed new-age romance, Hasee Toh Phasee. Sudip Sharma is the acclaimed writer of NH10 and Udta Punjab, and is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost screenwriters in the country.

Siddharth Roy Kapur confirmed the news, “Yes, we will be collaborating with Vinil and Sudip on a unique and exciting subject that our team has been developing for many months. The film is based on true events involving piracy on the Somalian high seas and is told through the eyes of a young Indian merchant navy officer, who has to navigate through unimaginably perilous circumstances, while dealing with huge personal challenges. It is a thrilling, dramatic and emotional journey, and we couldn’t have asked for a better director than Vinil Mathew to tell this story. Vinil’s work in advertising is amongst the most accomplished I have ever seen. He has a unique ability to move you emotionally and to draw you into a narrative within the span of less than a minute. To have Sudip on board as screenwriter for the film is a huge advantage, as he unfailingly creates memorable characters, inhabits them in authentic worlds, and in the process creates strong conflicts and riveting drama.”

When Siddharth first heard the true story of merchant navy officer Audumbar Bhoi whose ship and crew was attacked by Somalian pirates, he was gripped and immediately felt that this was an incredibly unique and above all, an inspiring human story that needed to be told on the big screen.

Vinil said, “I have immense respect for Siddharth and his creative vision which is evident in the films he has produced over the past decade. I have been looking forward to working with him and when Siddharth shared this story with me, I instinctively knew I had to be associated with the film as it had all the right ingredients of emotion, drama and thrill. I am thrilled about our collaboration and I’m sure it will be a great experience. We hope to give the audiences a truly special film."

Sudip said “I am normally wary of writing commissioned scripts for producers, but Sid gives you a lot of creative freedom and lets you do your thing. I developed a film for Disney when Sid was there, and thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with him creatively. We’ve been meaning to work again with each other since, and when he pitched this story to me, I just jumped at it because it has the potential to be a tense hostage drama cum survival story, and lets you explore Somalia and maritime piracy, a world hitherto unseen in Hindi films.” 

Over the past few months, Vinil and Sudip have conducted intensive research on the Indian merchant navy life, as well as on the Somali piracy problem and its impact on the many Indian families that have been affected by it.

It is anticipated that the film will go on the floors in the second half of 2018.

Roy Kapur Films has various other noteworthy film projects in the pipeline, including a biopic on Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, written by Anjum Rajabali and to be directed by Mahesh Mathai; Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari’s next film, based on the book “How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-Founded a Million Dollar Company", Shubh Mangal Savdhaan director RS Prasanna’s next film, and a film based on the true story of Vijendra Singh Rathore, the heroic Alwar-based truck driver who found his wife after a 19 month-long search in the aftermath of the Uttarakhand flash floods.

In addition to producing films, Roy Kapur Films has marked its foray into digital media by entering into a landmark multi-year partnership with Reliance Jio to produce original video content including digital series and Made-for-Jio films for millions of Jio subscribers across India.

Siddharth Roy Kapur is the eminent producer of several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Dangal, ABCD2, Haider, Barfi and Kai Po Che. He believes in setting new benchmarks with every project he backs. He has founded his own production company Roy Kapur Films earlier this year after a long and successful stint at Disney and UTV.  He is also the President of the Producers Guild of India and was recently named as one of Variety’s Top 500 influential people in entertainment globally, amongst only 12 Indians to feature on this list.