Shaheen Raaj had a chat with Deeya Singh, the dynamic and passionate lady producer of the small screen to track down her journey from 'Banegi Apni Baat' to 'Baat Hamari Pakki Hai' including her future plans.

It has been a decade long journey between 'Banegi Apni Baat' and 'Baat Hamari Pakki Hai'. How was your experience?
It was full of excitement, tremendous, fun filled and yeah a bit exhausting with lots of ups and downs but at the end of the day I must say it was a blessing in disguise as the entire journey ultimately turned out to be great because I am very enthusiastic and passionate about my work.

DJS is a reputed production house with its shows on practically every channel. Was it a smooth sailing journey in the initial stage?
No way, not at all. But in the end my patience paid off and of course after a lot of merry go rounds in the various Channel offices I finally succeeded in getting 'Banegi Apni Baat' aired on Zee TV in the year 2003. Then there was no looking back and the journey was smooth sailing.

Which do you think were the most popular shows of DJS?
Of course 'Banegi Apni Baat' was the first extremely successful show. Then 'Just Mohabbat', 'Left Right Left', 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin' et al and now of course 'Baat Hamari Pakki Hai' is on its way to attain the same popularity.

It has received a tremendous opening since its launch in May. Yeah! It's sad but some shows like 'Dil Se Dosti' and 'Jugni Chali Jallunder' were not received so well.

Never mind but I am proud that I am still in the business with various shows on various channels like 'Chotti Bahu' on Zee TV, 'Aise Karo Na Bida' on Colors Channel and of course 'Baat Hamari Pakki Hai' on Sony TV. I think I have become the favorite of all the Channels.

But the media and viewers think it is Ekta Kapoor who is the darling of the small screen and have being labeled her as THE TV QUEEN?
Let her be the darling of the small screen but I will still be modest enough to say that I am THE ORIGINAL TV QUEEN as I came in to the business much earlier than her.

Now tell us what is your latest show 'Baat Hamari Pakki Hai' all about?
As is the case with all my shows being different from each other catering to different genres even my current show is different in its entire perspective. Of course, it is based on the concept of arranged marriages in Indian families.

The main protagonist is a sweet little young girl, who is not ugly but very beautiful and who is not at all docile like a typical Indian Village Belle, hailing from a middle class family who are finding it very difficult to find a groom for her.

Of course she is ready for an arranged marriage but she strictly refuses to be a 'Tea Tray' carrying girl who is often paraded before the would be groom's family as is the custom in India. The message of my show is that arranged marriages are okay as long as the girl gets to select her own life partner.

That apart, the highlight of my show will be a shocking and mind blowing CLIMAX which will prove to be a real eye opener for all the Indian families.

Do you think the TRP's for a show can be manipulated?
No way not at all. It's just not possible and I just don't bother about such trivial matters. What matters to me most is that when I go on the sets I must see that all my artistes and technicians are working real hard and slaving their butts off to give off their best. In fact I always pep up their energy by saying, 'Jo jitna mehnat karega woh utna paisa kamaayega, kaam jyada karoge toh paisa toh aayega hi'.

Fine, one allegation against you is that all your shows are a complete, sometimes even frame by frame copy of foreign shows. How would you refute this particular allegation?
You see Shaheen this allegation business has been going on since 'Banegi Apni Baat' days. So let me clarify once and for all that not all my shows, barring one or two, have been a complete or frame by frame copy of foreign shows.

They were totally based on reality for i.e. 'Banegi Apni Baat' which totally catered to the varied issues faced by Gen X. Besides I do get inspired, I said only inspired by foreign shows which is completely Indianised by my creative team.

Deeya have you ever thought of taking on the directorial reigns?
No way, not at all. I am content being a producer. In fact I would rather be known as a creative producer than a creative director.

You are also known as the Messiah for all newcomers. Right!
Oh! Come on. Don't put me on such a high pedestal. I just search the right talent and give them a break.

So what is your criterion for selecting them?
For me they should be intelligent enough to communicate the idea of my shows and of course they should suit the character to a T.

Finally tell us what are your future plans?
I am planning many, many more shows for many, many channels and immediately in the offing is a full on Comedy Show for SAB TV and a Big Budget Bollywood movie, the cast for both is going on in full swing.

Chalte chalte tell us what is the secret of the radiant glow on your face?
Oh! That! It's because I am very passionate about my work and I am always happy and always keep on smiling. Besides I have just come back after my second honeymoon. That's it.