Arvind Babbal looks forward to ‘Saraswatichandra’

Says working for Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made him a perfectionist.

‘Saraswatichandra’ is the long awaited cherished dream of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The epic romantic tale is all set to woo not only Indian audiences but also foreign ones. It is a classic love story based on the Gujarati novel ‘Saraswatichandra’ that will feature Saraswatichandra and Kumud’s love story in the Devdas style. No prizes for guessing then, that filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali will make his grand TV debut on Star Plus with this show.

Arvind Babbal is the ‘set up’ director. He says, “Having been involved in the show set up, I will be directing at least the initial 50 episodes. I make the audiences believe; whatever is showcased on the screen is the toughest job. Being entrusted to do the initial episodes has brought the toughest task unto me. I feel when the ‘going gets, tough the tough get going’. Keeping this in mind, I have done my home work to the fullest and owing to the support that I have been able to get from the channel as well as the fraternity, I will be able to prove myself.”

Arvind knows his job well. “Setting up shows and moving ahead makes me proud, because by that time all the actors as well as the technicians are well-equipped to their job. Also, having exposed the needful, there exists no charm for me. Work for me keeps me going. Money is essential but money does not keep me going. As children we were always looking forward to newer things in life. So for me having completed my job in connection to one show gives me the maximum satisfaction. It’s human nature, having reached the point of satiety with the work I am involved in; I always want to explore newer things. Life without challenges is dull.”

Arvind also feels hurt if work does not progress well. “Handing over my own baby is not an easy task. It is like the pangs and agonies of a mother on separation from her child. In such a situation, I do associate myself when huge wedding episodes or any prolific episodes are to be canned. This way I feel closer to it.”

He adds, “I was keen to direct films but owing to certain responsibilities, as I got an offer from a channel I turned towards TV. Working longer hours one needs to be on his/her toes as the small screen essentially takes away loads of time. However, I am content with having worked on the small screen. This medium has a wider reach we need not forget the television sets are planted in the bedroom of a common man. I do cherish a dream of making a film at some point of time. Let us hope for the best.”

Arvind is a satisfied man. He says, “Working under restraint hours and finding an awesome result by getting stupendous TRPs not only brings a great relief but charges me to give my best to the following episodes. “

Reminiscing his shoots for the historical ‘Shobha Somnath Ki’, he says, “Initially I was sceptical, but I tackled the kids so well that the show became a hit. Working with children was altogether a different experience. I must confess they are the best, provided you know how to handle them; these kids were not only brilliant but supported our show by giving their best.”

Coming back to ‘Saraswatichandra’, he says, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali dreamt of making a film on this. Finally he decided to make a show on television. After I shot one episode and showed it to him which he liked immensely. Thereafter, we decided to make a serial on ‘Saraswatichandra’. My work had to be doubly authentic, as Sanjay’s name is associated with the serial. His name needs to be fully justified. What more can I do but turn a perfectionist.”

Talking about the tale he says, “Though the novel will be depicted the contemporary way. We have to maintain the flavour of the day. Not forgetting the essence of the real writings from within the story. Exploring human relationships is interesting, but portraying it in manner that attracts one and all is a tough job. We have tried to keep their love burning, though the intrinsic love, which we will portray, will ignite more enthusiasm in the viewers. It’s important that the actors do their job well and I bet my last penny on Gautam and Jennifer.”