‘No compromise!’

Anuj Saxena rubbishes rumours that he is re-shooting ‘Kulvaddhu’ due to a mess-up with the casting and storyline

With a day to go for the formal announcement of ‘Kulvaddhu’ (Sony), rumours are abuzz of Maverick Productions (owned by Anuj Saxena) re-shooting many portions of the serial including the sangeet scenes, with Sandiip Sikcand at the helm. Apparently, the first episode is not complete and only few of the cast initially decided in the pilot are part of the show. This is the channel’s big ticket show as they are waiting to see reactions to ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ in January  before bringing on any other new show.

Anuj laughs out at the suggestion that some disaster had happened and hence the re-shoot. “It was mine and not the channel’s decision to re-shoot certain scenes, just small reaction scenes. I am a perfectionist. It is my first production and I will not compromise on quality and content. I maybe wrong but as an actor, there were some scenes I thought could be improved on. I want to set a standard with my first production as whatever I do in the future will be determined by ‘Kulvaddhu’,” he quips.

“I have tried to give it a 70mm, rich look and the music also has a traditional Rajasthani flavour. Four episodes are completed and I have a bank of seven episodes ready. As far as cast, I am not ready to compromise with dummy shoots and so am trying to work by getting dates of all stars blocked to ensure that duplicates are not used. And, yes, according to dates available, few stars have been changed. The channel and Sandiip Sikcand have been very supportive and hopefully all our energies put together will help in putting out a show that grabs viewer interest. Everyone is working hard and the rest is upto God,” says Anuj.

Why is Sandiip Sikcand personally supervising the edits? “The fun part of doing a show is when one is fully involved in the show. I strongly feel that I need to know the technical team that works on the show as they are the silent soldiers who largely contribute in making it a hit show.  I make it a point to convey to them the channels vision on the project. Also, Sony believes in working in close proximity with the producer and takes complete onus for each production that comes on air-be it a hit or a flop show,” explains Sandiip.

 On his new lead actors, Daljit and Imran, Anuj says, “The pair will rock. Daljit is a natural beauty and a fine actress. She grows on you and Imran has the natural attitude of a dude which fits in perfectly with his character. I am happy with the time slot I have got. It will air Monday to Thursday at the 8.30 pm primetime slot,” signs off Anuj.

t_usha@dnaindia.net