Rangmunch.TV brings to you a lovely and a warm chat with Sangeita , the Director of Bade Acche Lagte Hai”.Sangieta who has given us hit like Shagun,Kussum,Kasauti Zindagii Kii,Karam Apna Apna, and off late Kitni Mohabbat Hai Season 1 and 2 on Imagine TV,is now on her latest directorial show” Bade Acche Lagte Hai “ BALH is on a all time high and has caught on with all the age groups. Currently we are witnessing a large scale marriage preparations on the show.Sangieta has not only pulled it off smoothly but is still carrying on the excellent work. Being a women director is not easy especially when you are solely handling the show, but she has marvelled it.
The show is getting amazing reviews and has placed itself on the top 10 shows of the week.Here is what Sangieta had to say when we spoke to her on her much talked about show….
In this day and age, when TV shows are getting bolder in depicting extra-marital relationships, what made you agree to such a story, which depicts the traditional Indian ideal of love after marriage?
There are always two schools of thought to this,Arrange marriages and Love marriages…No doubt love marriages are more happeneing but there are still couples who actually enjoy the experience of falling in love after getting married.So in todays time where love happens easily, the concept of being in love after marriage intrigued me.
In this fast changing world do you think that the youth of today still relate to the concept of arranged marriages or are now much more likely to insist on a love marriage?
Well , the youth definitely favours love marriages more but , there are still a section of people who cherish the thought of arrange marriages. So its actually on ones perception,on how they take it.Personally I feel commitment is the only thing that counts,be it whether love marriage or arrange.
What makes Ram Kapoor & Sakshi Tanwar fit the roles of Ram and Priya perfectly?
They are great actors to begin with and are brilliant on screen.No one could have suited the role better.Both Ram and Saakshi are the right choice for playing out Ram and Priya.
There is constant criticism of how most shows start with a fresh and innovative story concept but eventually turn into Saas-Bahu sagas. What do you think is the reason behind it?
Well when the story kicks off, there is usually a lot to tell between the lead pair.But as soon as the leads are married , the story comes to a halt and nothing is left to explore further . We directors get very little scope and turn the wheels towards the saas-bahu drama.Hopefully you would not get to see that on this show.
In 21st Century, when women are more career oriented & families are equally supportive towards their daughters, do you think that the obsession that the character of Shipra had with her unmarried daughter is realistic?
Not really…There are mothers who are very much still concerned on seeing their grown up daughters getting married and settling down ,especially if they have crossed the marriageable age.Every mother wants the best for her child.Only balance has to be maintained.I too have a hectic work life and am married, so I too have to strike a balance.Hence I would say its not unrealistic as 35% of mothers will be mothers who desires to see their daughters settled ...(smiles)
What about your show do you think has gripped viewer’s attention considering it has been loved and well received right from day one?
Hmm….I would say the uniqueness lies in how Ram and Saakshi have potrayed the characters and now are living it beautifully,also that no one on the show is really outright negative but have shades of grey .We have tried to incorporate a fun element from time to time which brings in light moments with subtle humour.This show is very relatable as every house does have a Ram, a Priya or even Ayesha.
Marriages are a huge deal on Television shows with no compromise on all the pomp, splendour and glamour. With the current track focusing on the upcoming shaadi's of both Ram and his sister Natasha, as a Director what is the mental preparation that you had to do to make it look different? Does being a woman help at times like this to add a little more sensitivity to the execution??
Oh it’s a lot of hard work as the marriage sequence has to look real with all the nitty-gritties.Mentally one has to be charged up as lot of energy is spent on a track like this.But being a women definitely helps when relating to a scene .For instance explaining a bidai scene,if coming from a woman becomes more relatable. I do improvise on it and give my personal insights since I too have gone through it ,hence execution becomes easier.
Recently there was an article which said that on viewers demand the channel & PH has asked Ram Kapoor to reduce his weight. Is this why the idea of diet & the doctor advising weight loss program for Ram Kapoor has been seen in the story or was it always a part of the story?
We just added that bit for light humour.Ram is very supportive and comfortable when it comes to his weight .He rathers cracks jokes on it..( laughs)
Seeing the unconventional way the story has moulded, do you believe in destiny?
Oh definitely..Destiny does have a role to play in everyones life.You can do all the work you want , but if fate is not with you then the journey becomes tougher.
What kind of equation do you share with Ram and Saakshi?
I share a wonderful bond with both Ram and Saakshi.They both make it very comfortable for me to do my work.Ram is fun so he relieves the stress level and Saakshi is a warm loving person and we do share our girl moments..( smiles). I am enjoying every bit of my work.Though it does drive me crazy but is fun when you have such amazing and talented actors to work with.
Since you have a Co-Director also on the show, how do you deal with each other's views & thought processes.
Well its only me directing it now.Earlier there was another Director working with me and we worked as a team but he is now involved in another show so its only me calling the shots..
One favorite scene of yours so far which you have loved directing?
I’l give you two scenes.They are my personal favorite.One is the scene where Priya and her father are in his room and he shows her a bag of all the little things he has collected over the years and the memories attached to it.The emotions between a father and daughter were beautifully captured where words were not needed…The second scene was shot last Thursday where Priya’s bidai is happeneing from her house. She goes silently through all the rooms and touches all the things which define her.The sadness, the tears and finally the breakdown was exceptionally done.Saakshi brought life to that shot .She made it believable and real.
What message would you like to give your fans?
I would like to thank all our viewers for such an amazing response and the love showered on us.We promise to keep bringing in good stuff and entertaining you with our best possible work.Take care and keep watching !!
I had a great time doing the interview , hope you had a wonderful time reading it.Rangmunch sincerely thanks Sangieta for her valuable time .
Navyanka
Rangmunch
