Showing posts with label Ranjeet Thakur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ranjeet Thakur. Show all posts
I got rejected from a dance show because my backstory wasn’t strong enough-Sanya Malhotra
8:21 AM
Former aspirants, participants & judges have accused reality shows of exploiting contestants’ & audience’s emotions at the cost of talent
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2021)
Who wore what, who danced with whom, what banter and jokes were shared on the sets and who shed some tears — this is precisely what trends on social media just before any new episode of a reality show is aired. Social media posts talking about any contestant’s brilliant performance or talent would be few and far between, and often the last to go viral. So, when singer Abhijeet Sawant, the winner of the first season of the singing reality show Indian Idol, commented recently that “in Hindi reality shows, the tragic and sad stories of contestants are redeemed. The focus is only on that”, it seems he was pointing at something clearly evident in reality shows on TV for the last few years.
The debate around ‘are reality shows scripted’ or ‘do they coach participants to manipulate emotions on screen’ is not new. However, Abhijeet’s comments surely drew attention to this all over again. Also, over the years, it is not just dance and singing reality shows that rely heavily on drama, the trend is often seen in a game show (like Kaun Banega Crorepati) or celeb reality shows (like Nach Baliye).
SAW CREW MAKE A MERCILESS MEAL OF BLIND ASPIRANT: SINGING SHOW ASPIRANT
In 2018, Nishant Kaushik, an aspirant on a singing reality show, tweeted, “I met two interesting aspirants: one med rep from an Indian village I don’t remember the name of, who dragged his right foot in a broken slipper. And another, who was blind in both eyes. And then I saw the crew make a merciless meal of both of these kind souls. First the vultures came with their mic and cameras to the blind man, who said he had a scene’s role in Slumdog Millionaire. They first asked him to give a little speech about the history and status of his blindness, how does it feel to be blind, and what have you. Then they asked about his family. He said he had a mother who was now dead, leaving him orphaned and all by himself. Sudden twinkle in crew’s eyes because they now had meaty content for a camera shot. They probed him in several ways on ‘what brings you here’. When none of his responses flew, they drafted a ‘response’ on his behalf and read it out. Roughly, ‘I miss my mother and I wish she were here to see me, but I hope that when I sing tonight she can hear me up there’. They made him repeat this even as his voice trembled (sic).”
Among those who commented on the thread was former singing reality show host Mini Mathur. “This sucks. I wasn’t part of the 2012 season but I know most of what he has articulated is known to happen on reality tv. One of the reasons I bowed out. This incessant need to create false emotion. RIP Organic, pure TV (sic),” she tweeted.
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I FEEL SOB STORIES WORK & ARE A MARKETING THING: SONU NIGAM
In a recent interview with us (above), when Sonu Nigam — who’s been a judge in singing reality shows like Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa — was asked about his take on shows often dramatising sob stories to move the audience to tears, he told us, “If they (sob stories) weren’t working, it would not be happening so often on reality shows. It is a marketing thing, and people are not fools.”
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THERE SHOULD BE A FINE BALANCE BETWEEN DRAMA, EMOTIONS & TALENT: ABHIJEET SAWANT
Abhijeet Sawant says, “Even when I did Indian Idol, there would be times when a contestant would be given preference and gain the audience’s vote, because he/she had a story that was ‘more emotional’ than the rest. It does affect your morale and confidence, but you have to keep telling yourself that at the end of the day it is talent that matters and you have no option but to focus on your talent.” He adds, “Reality shows are the best platform for fresh talent, and at no point should the focus shift from performances and talent to the background of the contestant. I am sure there are other ways to add more drama to reality shows.”
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I GOT REJECTED FROM A DANCE SHOW ’COZ MY BACKSTORY WASN’T STRONG ENOUGH: SANYA MALHOTRA
On the Facebook page of Humans of Bombay, a post by actress Sanya Malhotra read, “So I applied for the dance (Dance India Dance) reality show and got to the top 100. But before I could move beyond that stage, I got rejected because my backstory wasn’t strong enough. That’s when I started doubting myself — I thought maybe I wasn’t meant to perform at all.”
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SOB STORIES CAN’T MAKE A CONTESTANT WIN: PRODUCERS
Those who work on some of these reality shows blame the change in reality show formats and excessive focus on drama on the TRP race. “Earlier, they’d primarily focus on the contestants’ talent, but over the years, as more reality shows started coming up, these shows needed something extra to gain the audience attention. To make the show more relatable, the contestants’ background was featured. However, when the drama began to fetch TRPs, some shows began adding more of it — be it through contestants or even judges — and that’s how the focus shifted from talent to drama in these reality shows,” says a source from a production house on condition of anonymity.
However, producers argue that the focus has always been, and still is, on talent. “I think the audience is smart enough to choose the right talent. No amount of sob stories can make a contestant win a reality show. If somebody is emerging as a winner from these shows, it is purely because of talent and not because of their background or how many sympathy votes they got on the show,” says producer Ranjeet Thakur, who has been associated with the production of different TV reality shows like Dance Plus and Dil Hai Hindustani.
On condition of anonymity,a member from a production house of a leading singing reality show tells us, “Sob stories or drama through judges are an essential part of any reality show, therefore it is incorporated, but as makers we also try to make sure that genuine talent wins.”
Rising costs, creativity issues, uncertainty surrounding shoots: The challenges TV show makers face shooting outside Mumbai
8:18 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 20, 2021)
After the state government imposed restrictions on April 15 owing to a surge in Coronavirus cases, shoots of TV shows, films and web series came to a halt. Many TV shows relocated to different places outside Maharashtra. While most of them relocated to Gujarat (Vapi, Umbergaon, Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot), a few relocated to Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Silvassa, Delhi and Daman. Around 12 shows had relocated to Goa, but after a lockdown was announced there on May 6, TV shows had to shift base again.
Working in a new location and churning out fresh content is a huge challenge faced by the TV industry in the current scenario. Here’s a look at how production houses are managing to keep the show going amid the pandemic.
Moving an entire unit to a new place and setting base there incurs a lot of cost. Production houses have been shooting at resorts, bungalows and studios, due to which expenses have escalated. That apart, makers have to shell out money to maintain their existing sets in Mumbai. Producer Nitin Vaidya says, “Two of my shows, Punyashlok Ahilya Bai and Mere Sai — Shraddha Aur Saburi, have moved to Umbergaon. I have to maintain two sets and pay for the upkeep. Nobody wants to air re-reruns like last year, so we moved to a new location.”
Producer Nitin Vaidya adds, “We understand that cases are rising and restrictions are important, but there has to be a solution to this.”
Producer Pawan Kumar’s shows, including Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2, Santoshi Maa Sunayein Vrat Kathayein, Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Ranju Ki Betiyaan and Sasural Simar Ka 2 that are on air, are being shot at different locations. He says, “It’s not a joke to move so many shows out of Maharashtra. We are churning out fresh content every day, but following safety protocols, sanitising the sets and operating from different locations is adding to the challenges.”
With COVID-19 cases rising across the country, producers are constantly worried about restrictions being imposed, due to which they would have to move to another location. This is exactly what happened in Goa, where units had to stop shooting after a lockdown was announced on May 6.
Says a source from the TV fraternity, “Production houses are managing to air new episodes, but it is getting tough because there’s no certainty that shoots can continue uninterrupted given the rise in the cases across the country. Everyone’s hoping that things get better in Maharashtra and shoots are allowed to resume in Mumbai at some point.”
From a creative point of view, too, shows are struggling. Pearl Grey, creative producer of Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2, says, “Storylines have to be tweaked and our senior actors, too, haven’t been able to join us. So, of course, relocation hasn’t been easy. Creativity is suffering.”
‘THE BIO-BUBBLE KIND OF A FORMAT IS WORKING FOR US’
Makers say that the bio-bubble kind of a format, which they are following, has worked for them so far. Asit Kumarr Modi, producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, says, “We are shooting in Vapi, and the bio-bubble format is working for us in the current scenario.”
Nitin Vaidya adds, “In the case of IPL, there were COVID cases because they moved from one place to another, but in the case of a TV show, we are not doing that. We are stationed at one place and are regularly testing people. The actors and the entire crew stay in a bubble.”
The problem arises when actors or judges (in the case of reality shows) need to return to Mumbai to be with their family for a few days. Ranjeet Thakur, producer of Super Dancer, shares, “We test them every time they come back and before they enter the sets. We don’t let anyone shoot before we get their test results.”
Daily soaps rely on bank of episodes, but how long will it suffice?
8:22 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
Ved Raj, who has two shows on air including Apna Time Bhi Aayega, says, “We were prepared for this. I am assuming that almost every producer shot aggressively and created a bank of episodes, which will last till Tuesday or Wednesday. Re-runs are always the last option as no one makes money. The idea is to work hard, entertain the audience and keep the business afloat.”
The decision to air re-runs of a new show or air old shows will be taken by channels. As Saurabh Tewari, producer of Pinjara Khubsurti Ka, says, “I don’t think any producer will have a bank of episodes that will suffice for more than a week, which means that we will be able to telecast fresh episodes till next Wednesday. If the matter isn’t resolved and we don’t resume the shoot, we will have to opt for repeats like last year. It will be the broadcaster’s prerogative whether they bring back old shows or air re-runs of their current shows. However, I doubt that will generate any revenue in such a situation. It will be a huge business loss.”
Benaifer Kohli, who has three shows on air, including Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai!, says, “I have a bank of episodes that will suffice for more than two weeks. The only show without a healthy bank is Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Hai, as it went on air recently. So, the channel will decide whether they will telecast re-runs. If I have to move to another city, I would want to make sure that it’s safe for my unit to shoot there. It’s a temporary compromise that we will be making for everybody’s livelihood.”
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Meanwhile, on reality shows...
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
Reality shows like Dance Deewane, Indian Pro Music League and Indian Idol have shot in advance and will manage the telecast for the next two weeks. Arvind Rao, producer of Dance Deewane, says, “The issues will start after the next weekend because we don’t have episodes in the bank. We are hoping for the best outcome of our meeting with the CM. As of now, we have halted the shoot.” Along with Rao, judge Dharmesh Yelande and many crew members had tested positive for Coronavirus two weeks ago.
Like Dance Deewane, Indian Idol, too, saw host Aditya Narayan test positive. Contestant Pawandeep Rajan has also been unwell. A source said, “Last year, we were contemplating to relocate the set to Hyderabad and shoot the episodes from there, but this year, there has been no such talk as yet. We will wait till next week and see how things go.”
Whenever shoots resume, reality show makers are toying with the idea of creating a bio-bubble, like sports tournaments have done so far. Ranjeet Thakur, producer of Super Dancer, says, “The cost of creating a bio bubble will be higher, but safety will be maintained. In case of a bio-bubble, we keep the entire crew (technicians) on the set as long as the shoot lasts. The contestants are also on the set, but in another zone. The judges travel from their homes, shoot for two episodes and only then can they leave the set. Before we start shooting, everyone has to undergo the COVID-19 test, and they are not allowed to come in contact with anyone outside the unit. In the case of a fiction show, a similar exercise can be followed.”
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TV actors on state government's decision of halting TV shoots
Riya Sharma and Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
ERICA FERNANDES:
This time, last year we were new to it, but today we are prepared. If offices and other places are shut, then studios should be, too. As a matter of fact, shooting for movies and shows is riskier than working in an office.
DEEPSHIKHA NAGPAL:
I don’t know how production houses are going to deal with this situation. However, the restrictions are necessary as COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly and people are not taking necessary precautions. I am sad about our show’s shoot, but whatever the government has decided is to contain the spread of coronavirus.
SHARAD MALHOTRA:
This is upsetting and disheartening for all because the entertainment industry along with the other sectors was barely getting back on its feet post the lockdown that happened last year, and now, it’s like history repeating itself. For the television fraternity where new content needs to be churned out daily and deadlines have to be met, it will be challenging to cope up with this situation.
HUNAR GANDHI:
Among the worst affected in the second wave is Maharashtra and the situation called for stringent measures. There are so many people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the entertainment industry as well. I, too, got infected, but thankfully I have recovered. However, there were so many who lost their lives to it. Yes, our livelihood depends on it but life hai toh livelihood hogi na, so I feel till the time the cases lessen we should all co-operate and respect the decision that has been taken. This is the reason I am in Gurugram and not taking a flight back to Mumbai.
ROOPAL TYAGI:
We are still talking to the production house and figuring things out. This lockdown though necessary wasn’t something we anticipated. Our show, Ranju ki Betiyaan, has been doing very well and we were looking forward to maintaining the momentum. But, of course, health comes first. We will try and make the most of this break as well and stay positive.
SHASHANK VYAS:
I honestly don’t know how to react to this. It’s a good move considering the rise in the number of cases, but stopping the shoot means the entertainment industry will suffer a huge loss, especially the shows that are on air and the films that are currently being shot. The last time it happened for more than three months and I am sure many won’t even have episodes in the bank. It’s a tough situation, but I am sure, together we will overcome this, too.
SHAGUN PANDEY:
Yes, it’s sad that shoots have been stopped, but I also feel it is for the greater good. We need to probably start taking more precautions or shift our shoots to places where work can progress smoothly. Unlike the last time, I am better prepared. I know what to do and what my schedule is going to be like. I hope we get back to work soon.
ACHHERR BHAARDWAJ:
Seeing the rising cases of the COVID 19 virus, whatever the government has decided is necessary to break the chain. However, we cannot ignore the fact that there will be people who will be affected by this, especially the crew, which works on daily wages. I hope producers or channels take care of them.
Malaika Arora returns to India's Best Dancer from Monday
8:15 AM
Nora Fatehi, who replaced her as judge, may return in show’s finale
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 2, 2020)
While talking to Mirror (September 7), producer Ranjeet Thakur had said that they expected Malaika to resume work within a fortnight, with a guest judge taking her place in the meantime. A few days later, Nora Fatehi stepped in for Malaika and has been on the show for the last four weeks. Now, we have learnt that Malaika is well and ready to resume shooting.
Confirming the same, Ranjeet says, “Yes, Malaika will shoot her comeback episode on Monday. She was in home quarantine for the first 14 days. She tested negative by the third week and wanted a little more time to recuperate before returning to the set. We didn’t want her to take on any stress and immediately agreed. We also didn’t want Nora’s run to end abruptly, we wanted to bid her a proper goodbye.”
As a farewell gift to Nora, this weekend the contestants will perform to her songs. Geeta has penned a heartfelt note for the actress and posted it on her Instagram handle. Prod Ranjeet on why he chose Nora and he says, “Nora has been eager to work with us for a long time. Ditto, for us. The present circumstances gave us a window and we grabbed it. She is an amazing person and one of the best dancers in the industry,” he raves, hinting that Nora might stage a return before the show wraps. “We are planning for a performance by her in the finale, let’s see how it goes.”
Shoots postponed after Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor test positive for Coronavirus
8:32 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 7, 2020)
Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora confirmed yesterday that they have tested positive for Coronavirus. Speaking to Bombay Times, Malaika said, “Yes, I have tested positive, and am asymptomatic. I have self-quarantined at home. I will bounce back healthier and stronger.” Arjun took to social media and wrote, “It is my duty to inform all of you that I have tested positive for coronavirus. I’m feeling ok and I’m asymptomatic. I have isolated myself at home under the advice of doctors and authorities and will be under home quarantine. I thank you all in advance for your support and I will keep you all updated about my health in the days to come. These are extraordinary and unprecedented times and I have faith that all of humanity will overcome this virus (sic).”
In July, Malaika, who is on the judging panel of a dance reality show, had resumed shooting for it. Apart from her, two contestants on the show have also tested positive for coronavirus. The crew was going to shoot an episode today, but it has now been postponed. Meanwhile, Arjun had recently returned to shoot for his forthcoming film with Rakul Preet. On September 1, he shared a picture on Instagram from the sets of the film, and said, “Happy to just be back on set.”
With inputs by Rachana Dubey
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Himesh Mankad & Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 7, 2020)
On Sunday, Arjun Kapoor took to the social media to inform that he has tested positive for Covid-19. The actor was quick to add that he is “feeling ok” and is “asymptomatic”. “I have isolated myself at home under the advice of doctors and authorities and will be under home quarantine,” he informed.
The news has come six days after Arjun started shooting in Mumbai’s Film City Studios for his upcoming cross-border love story, also featuring Rakul Preet Singh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Neena Gupta and John Abraham, who is also produced it with Bhushan Kumar and Nikkhil Advani. Last week, Arjun had posted a picture from the studio with the caption, “Happy to just be back on set… Grateful to be working again, slow & steady under the right guidelines.” According to sources, the last portion of the film was to be shot in the city around September 10 with Arjun and Rakul, but following the development, the shoot stands cancelled and fresh dates will be worked out soon.
Later in the day, it was revealed that Arjun’s longtime girlfriend Malaika Arora has also tested positive. Like Arjun, even the actress is asymptomatic and has self-isolated. She was shooting for Sony TV’s dance reality show, India's Best Dancer, in which she is one of the judges. Ranjeet Thakur, the producer of the show confirmed that the shoot has been postponed by two days. “We will shoot this week’s episode on Wednesday. We might call in a guest judge to step in for Malaika ma’am. We expect her to join us in the next 10 to 14 days. Everyone else in the crew has tested negative,” he said.
Search for India's Best Dancer resumes on July 13
8:19 AM
With 1/3rd crew, zero-contact teams, no live audience and insurance for everyone
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2020)
Last Friday, shooting for Indian fiction TV soaps restarted and now reality shows are all set to resume work. But since the format is largely dependent on a live audience, they are geared up for big changes.Sony TV’s India's Best Dancer, judged by Geeta Kapur, Malaika Arora and Terence Lewis, and hosted by Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, is expected to be back in the living rooms by the third week of July. Shooting starts from July 13 and producer Ranjeet Thakur (right) informs that there will be no audience during the shoot. “We will miss their energy, but there will be a better equation between the judges and the contestants as the former will be the sole spectators,” he reasons.
Thakur has cut down his crew from 500 to 160-180. They will be divided into zones and will not cross paths. There will be separate teams for technical, the stage, the backstage and the contestant areas. “There will be zero physical touch amongst them,” he assures.
To further minimise manpower, the producer reveals that for the first four weeks, there will be no stunt-based performances or those involving big props. “We will introduce them once we develop a work culture with new SOPs. Till then, it’s going to be pure dancing,” he asserts.
Only six contestants will be allowed into the area at a time. After their performances, they will move to another area, and the next six will take their place. Families won’t be allowed on the sets and all interactions will only be through voice or video calls. Masks, gloves and face shields are mandatory, along with regular sanitisation of the set. “Everyone on the floor will be insured, including contestants, crew, judges and the hosts,” Thakur promises, as they gear up to start rehearsals by July 1. “A few choreographers, who have chosen to stay back to take care of their families, will be replaced. Everyone is concerned, so we will finish work as soon as possible. There will be no wastage of time and a lot of multitasking.”
With shoots coming to a halt, FWICE to distribute supplies to daily-wage workers
8:16 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2020)
On Sunday, the representatives from Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Indian Film and Television Producers Council, Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Western India Film Producers’ Association, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association and a few others had a closed door meeting in which they had decided to stop the shoots of TV shows, films, ads and OTT content from March 19 to 31 in the wake of the Coronavirus epidemic.
However, on Tuesday, March 17, the makers were instructed to stop all the work immediately. In the wake of this, the FWICE has decided to distribute ration and materials of basic necessity to daily-wage workers who will be adversely affected by work coming to a sudden halt. The distribution will be held for a full week, starting from March 22, at Filmistan Studios (Goregaon). In order to avoid chaos or large public gatherings, the federation has devised a plan.
Talking about it, Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor to the FWICE and the head of IFTDA, said, “This is an important step to help out our workers who survive on daily wages. Their bread and butter have been impacted hugely because of the temporary shutdown. So, we will be distributing basic things like rice, dals and atta to the workers who need it. To avoid a mass congregation, we will be doing the activity for an entire week, throughout the day, in a staggered manner. So, on a said day, we may not have workers from more than two associations coming in. We also have doctors and an ambulance on stand-by throughout the week at the venue, so if someone seems unwell, we can immediately send them to a medical facility. Among those who came forward right away to support were producers Hemant Ruprell and Ranjeet Thakur, and filmmakers Rohit Shetty, Sajid Nadiadwala, Aanand L Rai, David Dhawan. Apart from them, others from the industry like Javed Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Madhur Bhandarkar and Anupam Kher have also stepped forward to assist the federation in this exercise. We are grateful to them.”
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In a week-long drive starting Sunday, FWICE to dispense 15 kilos of essential food items to those affected by the suspension of the shoot
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 19, 2020)
As the industry joins forces to fight the plight of daily wage workers, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is lending a helping hand by distributing groceries and other supplies to them. The association has teamed up with Frames Production, one of the leading studios in television, for the week-long drive that will kick off on March 22.
As part of the drive, junior artistes and crew members — who are no longer getting payments owing to their shoots being stalled — can collect their monthly supplies at Filmistan Studios in Goregaon. President Birendra Nath Tiwari elaborates, "We will distribute sacks of 15 kilos each that will contain five kilos of rice, two kilos dal, five kilos atta, some masala and other non-perishable items. For now, the plan is to run this drive for a week."
He cautions employees to not throng the studio on the first day, as the state government has discouraged large gatherings in light of the pandemic. "Everyone should not land up on Sunday fearing that we will run out of supplies. There are enough supplies for about 10,000 daily wage workers. We are also in talks with the state government, seeking help in crowd management."
While the drive is partly sponsored by the FWICE fund, Tiwari reveals that several producers from television have pledged their support. "B P Singh, the creator of CID, has donated a couple of lakhs for this initiative. Shashi Sumeet Productions too have sent us money for the supplies. We have to manoeuvre our way through the grim times."
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