If there's a problem, I'll speak out:Smriti Z Iraani
Actor Smriti Z Iraani on her alleged conflict with Ektaa Kapoor and her upcoming production 'Virrudh'
'Virrudh' (Sony) seems to be your most ambitious project.
I had written this subject a year ago. But I didn't know how to adapt it to the needs of a daily soap. I wanted it for a certain time slot. Also, the actors I wanted to sign were busy with other projects. So I bided my time and went ahead only after everything fell in place.
Being the producer of a multi-starrer, wouldn't it have been prudent to only produce and not act in it?
That was the channel's decision. The story revolves around Vasudha Rai Singhania, the illegitimate daughter of Dhirendra Rai Singhania (Vikram Gokhale) who uses her to achieve his ends. He is God to her until she discovers his true colours. The role demanded a 30 plus woman and the channel thought that I suited it.
How has the experience of being a producer been?
The first year was difficult. I didn't want to be judged simply because I was Smriti Z Iraani. When I began by producing the Gujarati play 'Maniben.com', I got flak for it. But the show was a hit. There were challenges but that didn't disappoint me. And today, after 'Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman' (Star Plus), I have produced 'Virrudh'.
Are you open to direction?
Direction is not a whim. It needs definite vision. Also, it needs technical knowledge which I don't possess. I am good at writing, acting and production. I intend to stick to that.
Apparently, you and Ektaa Kapoor have problems?
I am used to rumours. I am a vocal person. If there is a problem, I will speak out loud and clear.
Do you get time for the family?
Time management is the keyword. Every morning I spend time with my husband and children. In fact, when the maids are not around, I even cook the meals before I leave for work.
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Smriti Irani's Viruddh on Sony | ||
Smriti Irani after turning producer with her show Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aaasmaan on Star is all set launch a new show titled Viruddh in association with Applause entertainment, a part of the Birla group. The cast is an amalgamation of the best talents from theatre, films and TV: Sushant Singh, Ashwini Kalsekar, Vikram Gokhale, Achint Kaur, Govind Namdev and Irani herself. Kamlesh Pandey who has scripted the serial says "We have tried to steer clear of the clich plots. The story of Viruddh resembles an epic drama with a contemporary flavour." Kamlesh who's among the panel of writers for Balaji's Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki and the hugely successful film Rang De Basanti further adds, "I would expect the show to run an initial of 200 episodes and then factors like TRPs would determine its future course. I chose television to narrate this story as it's a medium driven by writer's unlike films which is the director's medium." Sushan't Singh who plays Smriti's boyfriend in the story says, "My shooting schedule starts from the 18th of this month and I cannot comment more on my character as I have to experience it first before I can talk about it in detail." Confirms the channel honcho Sandiip Sikcand, "It's a fact that the show will be aired on Sony. We have not decided the time slot of the show at the moment as the serial is still in the production stage. I can share more on that once we finalize all details related to the show." Smriti Irani, the producer-actor of the show was unavailable for her comments. Looks like our favourite bahu is all geared up to plunge in the production race. Her earlier venture Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan is not a huge hit with the audiences, but we hope that this serial would be a different story. http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k7/jan/12jan/news_irani.php |
Mumbai Mirror looking'07 ahead
Small screen, big EXPECTATIONS
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"I'm very much at Sony and at an interesting stage of my career"
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After the initial pangs of settling down Sandiip Sikcand, Chief Creative Director, Sony, is now getting down to the real task on hand. On a rather candid note he says, "Last six months, I've learned a lot and made a few mistakes but the work really starts now. The main task at hand is to concentrate on our daily soap programming." In the last six months the channel has seen a slew of launches - Kaajal, Kulvuddhu, Durgesh Nandini and Jeete Hain Jiske Liye. Very soon Indian Idol is all set to roll out, soon to be followed by Smriti Irani's Viruddh. In an exclusive chat with SEEMA PHERWANI , Sikcand talks about his programming perspective for the channel, new challenges ahead and most importantly clears out the air on the recent media controversies about his position at Sony. So, what's that main task? It's been around six months since you've taken over as Chief Creative Director of Sony. What have been the key learnings for you? Mistakes? Which ones? Somehow the initial ratings of your shows haven't been very impressive? Why is it that Sony has suddenly pumped in too many news shows in a very short span? You've been criticized for coming on too strong on a few producers? Wasn't it a bit risky to go ahead with first time producers like Anuj Saxena (Kulvaddhu) and Smriti Irani (Virudh)?
Are you looking at Sahara One or Zee as your competition? Why is it that all the Balaji walk outs are being welcomed by Sony? You've worked in a mega production house, Balaji earlier. Now how does it feel being on the other side of the fence? When do we finally see a Balaji show on Sony? Have you sorted your issues with Ekta? What action do we foresee on the Indian Idol front? From an actor to associate Creative Head and now a Chief Creative Director, you seem to be a fast learner? http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k7/mar/5mar/interview_sandiip. php
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Smriti Irani's sister act! | ||||
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