As a producer, you get the power to tell certain stories:Raghuvir Shekhawat

Writer-Producer Raghuvir Shekhawat is responsible for giving some popular shows like ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’, ‘Madhubala: Ek Ishq Ek Junoon’, and has written dialogues for films like ‘Jail’, ‘Nayee Padosan’, and many more. In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Raghuvir Shekhawat talks about his two-decade long journey in the industry, his new show and his experience of turning producer.

Please tell us more about your new show – ‘Dahej Daasi’.

For a long time there has been no show on dowry malpractices that still exist in our society. I wanted to show when a groom or his family demands dowry, how it affects the girl. Her life changes and she has to fight with the people around her. But when she decides to do that, she can do it and take on any challenges that will come in her way.

What was the inspiration behind this show?

I am from Rajasthan and have heard stories in the past and have seen some of them. In fact, today also if you go to the interior parts of the state, these practices are still there. I tried to focus on issues happening around me in shows like ‘Balika Vadhu’. I do not have to go and look for these stories, because they are happening around me. I am not a highly educated person nor have I read too much. But these stories from small places find an audience and a lot of people can resonate with them as it is not fiction, but fact.

As a writer-producer, do you think you get the freedom to back the subjects that you believe in?

Yes, I do get certain freedom. Had I been only a writer, I would not have been able to tell these stories. However, as a producer you get the power to tell certain stories. I understand the seriousness and the depth of the subject. Earlier when I was a writer, I could only suggest some things, but now I can take a step ahead and incorporate that change. There is no middle step of convincing the producer. I know whatever message we have planned to pass on, will reach the audience.

What has been the most difficult part for you in your journey as a writer? 

God has been kind to me. I have worked with people who have always supported me. I have not faced too many problems, but whenever I faced one, I managed to solve them. I have been working in the industry for 27 years and till today I have the same intensity to narrate the story and present it in a different way. The only thing is that my partner, Ravindra Gautam, too, is passionate about it and sometimes we have to stop him from showing something due to budget constraints.

Which is the most crucial part of executing any project?

I think producers do face many problems. As a writer, I can show that we are going to blast the petrol pump in an action sequence. However, the producer has to think about the budget, how to execute it, what kind of impact it will create and all that. After becoming a producer myself, I have understood all this. In fact, I want to apologise to all my producers for not understanding them or writing something that was not feasible at times!

What kind of challenges have you faced as a producer?

When I used to be only a writer in any project, I was just part of the family, now after becoming a producer, I think I have become head of the family. There are some kids and adults in our family like any other family and I have to fulfill their demands. My responsibility has increased, I would not bother much about TRP numbers, but I have to take that into consideration as well. I am answerable for my entire team and if numbers are not good, then we have to respond to it and make changes accordingly.

What are the major differences that you find in writing for shows/ films/ OTT? Which one do you enjoy the most?

There is a common notion that in films and or in web series you can have an open mind and show different things. But I feel in films or in OTT shows, you have some limitations. I have worked in all three formats. Television has different ways of showing things in detail. In fact, a lot of films are taking inspiration from television shows these days. Your efforts are more visible on TV than on other mediums. Also, in television you get a chance to rectify your mistakes.

How important is it for a writer to do the research and learn about the issue?

Most of my shows are based on true stories or events. I try to present that in a realistic way and if you show real things backed by well researched content, then it definitely adds weightage to the topic. However, you cannot show some things as it is. If I do that, then it will become a documentary. So, the story requires some interesting presentation and we have to do that while narrating it. We have a good team who does all the research on the subject, we talk to the local people and try to understand the issue.

What kind of changes have you seen in storytelling and production values over the years?

I think in the past 10 years, television has managed to reach basic native people. Earlier, shows used to be targeted at metro audiences, but today the focus has definitely shifted to B and C centers. So, we have to know that their way of thinking is different and present our subject in such a way. As far as production is concerned, the resources have increased, aspirations have also increased, so we can show things in a beautiful way on the screen. So, it becomes like a mesmerising experience for viewers.

Do you have plans to get into film production?

I have two ongoing shows – ‘Dahej Daasi’ and ‘Shravani’. We are in the process of finalising a couple of more shows. I want to get as much experience as possible in production and then get into film production eventually. It is like practicing in a swimming pool to be prepared to swim in the ocean!