From celluloid to silver screen

Rashmi Sharma, a well-known name in the world of television, has a number of hit TV shows to her credit. In a candid chat, she talks about her path breaking show ‘Shakti’ and hard hitting debut film ‘Pink’ as a producer. ​

What is diffrent about your shows?
The characters are very real in my shows. We never show a “doodh ki dhuli saas or bahu”, because we all err in life. The protagonists of my shows will never wander away from our ideologies. I can't show something that I don't believe in or can't relate to. I try to remind viewers about our rich culture and joint family system.

Does TRPs bother you?
Honestly, TRPs bother me. I won't say I don't remember Thursdays, but it's not everything for me. I have never buckled under the pressure of ratings. I just give my 100 per cent to the show. When TRP increases, it is a motivational factor for every person, who is working for the show. I also believe that every show has its own fate. I don't become overconfident when my shows fetch good ratings. In fact, I start worrying about the coming week as it means more responsibility.

Is ‘Shakti’ your biggest challenging show on television?
Yes, because the storyline itself is something unique and that can’t be attempted by everybody. The concept belongs to my husband Pawan Kumar. When he shared it with me I was shocked. I was like how come the serial protagonist be a eunuch. But I think that’s the USP of our show.

We are playing with the emotions which are questioning the society and their behaviour towards eunuchs. They are not diffrent from us except the way they are made. And there comes a girl Soumya who doesn’t know about that and she suddenly learns that she is a eunuch and in what way that truth will change her life makes for intresting story.

How come a girl doesn’t know what changes she is undergoing?
Soumya’s mother doesn’t reveal the truth to her that she is a eunuch. She always made sure that Soumya’s world revolves around herself. So Soumya was not aware of the changes she is undergoing. I did a lot of research for the show. Many women who are eunuchs themselves told us that they relate to Soumya’s character. But they feel bad that they don’t have a mother like Nimmi who made her own world for Soumya.

You have released the first look of Soumya being a ‘eunuch’. What is next in the store?
Soumya’s journey will be with lots of twists and turns which will surprise the viewers. And I know the audience will stand with the fights that Soumya will undergo. I don’t want to reveal much. I just want to change at least a few people’s behaviour towards the people from the third gender. I hope society will try to understand their hidden pain.

Do you also believe in numerology? From your first show Saath Nibana Saathiya to Shakti, all shows start with an “S”?
No, I don’t believe in numerology (laughs). It’s just a coincidence. All my show titles reflect my concept.

What drew you to film production?
Creatively we are thinking what would be our next step. We all try to move forward in life. Films are next step after television. We were searching for a good story and ‘Pink’ happened. As a woman, I felt that I can relate to it. And the way we made an identity on television, I want to do same with films.

What was Amitabh Bachchan’s instant reaction when you narrated him the story?
When we narrated him the story within five minutes he said: “Go ahead”. The story is so strong, that in first narration itself he gave us positive reaction.

Why did you choose Tapsee for the lead role?
I felt Tapsee would be correct for the film. We wanted a Delhite and Tapsee was the perfect choice for ‘Pink’. She gave life to the role of Ms Arora. We wanted a North Eastern girl and we picked Andrea and for the role of Palak, we selected Kirti. It’s a very apt cast.

How does your husband Pawan Kumar help you personally and professionally?
We both started our journey at the same time. We both inspired each other. We both fell down and got up. But we never gave up. We have been each other’s backbone.