JD Majithia is a well-known name in Indian television, and not just because of his production house, Hats Off, or his role in 'Khichdi'. Now the latter is being adapted into a film. He tells us about this and more.

Q. How did you decide to adapt the series, 'Khichdi', into a film?
A. We had decided this a long time ago. We had also decided that we will finish off with the television work first. A lot of people ask us why we are not bringing in another season of 'Khichdi', and we always tell them that we are doing something different with it.

Q. Don't you think a 30-minute series will be more popular than a movie that is released once and gets over within two hours?
A. A lot of films have sequels, where you already know the characters and the stories, but there is something new that is added. We are thinking along these lines. This is the first serial that will be made into a film, as far as Indian television is concerned. That itself is a new trend. If it works, then it is worth it.

Q. So you have already decided that there will be a sequel to the film?
A. Absolutely. If the film is successful, I will make a sequel. This film gets all the attention now. Let the audience absorb and understand it. This is like an adventure for me.

Q. The name of the movie will remain the same as that of the serial, and so will the characters. Is that correct?
A. The title will remain the same as that of the serial, for sure, and of course, we will add to that to give the film its own identity, like we had the word 'Instant'.

As far as the actors are concerned, the idea is to keep the same ones we had on the show. We may use some Bollywood actors, but we still have to make that decision.

Q. When will you complete the film?
A. It will go on floor within 6-7 months. Once that is on, it will not take too much time to complete it. We will be absolutely prepared as far as pre-production is concerned. As I mentioned earlier, most of the actors will be the same, so it will not take them too long to get the hang of it. We are working on the script now.

Q. What will be the difference between the 30-minute show and the 3-hour movie?
A. The same difference that exists between a Twenty-20 match, and a test match. A test match never loses its beauty. Sachin Tendulkar is a dream to watch when he plays a test match. In a Twenty-20 match, some other player is a treat to the eyes.

Q. How much has the debutant director Aatish Kapadia contributed to the script?
A. We do and plan everything together, including the script. There is usually a discussion. Aatish will write the script because humour is his forte.

Q. Tell us about your show on NDTV Imagine – 'Jassuben Jayantibhai Joshi Ki Giant Family'.
A. It is about the biggest family ever shown on television. The show is inspired by all the families where the number of members exceeds 30. The story is about two brothers, whose grandchildren also live with them. It is an original story, and you will have to watch the show to know more.

Q. How will you divide your time between television and films?
A. The shooting for the serial has begun. Since I am not directing, it is possible for me to divide my time between all the projects.

Q. What else are you going to surprise us with?
A. Hats Off always has some project or the other going on. We recently aired our show 'Remote Control' on 9X. This show has some great comedy. Then there is 'Chhal Di Da Naam Gaddi' on Zee TV. All this is a result of team work. As there is more and more work, we are trying to increase the size of our team.

Q. November 21 was World Television Day.
A. The medium of television is not just big these days – it is powerful. And producers should remember the influence the medium has on young and old alike, not to mention the youth, our future. There are no 'A' certificates, like you have in films. Everybody watches whatever is shown.

Q. What is your take on saas-bahu shows?
A. I do not watch the shows that other production houses produce, nor do I comment on them. Each one knows what he or she is making, and that there is a reason for its existence. Some shows have higher TRPs. I am no one to comment on them.

Q. Do you believe in serious shows in the lives of already stressed out viewers?
A. We cannot show too much humour. I think we should have 20 per cent comedies and 80 per cent of other shows. We Indians anyway prefer emotional shows to humourous ones, especially women viewers. Women prefer drama. Men prefer comedy. I try to please both. -Rajnee Gupta