Bada Naam Karenge aims at bringing Sooraj Barjatya-esque innocence on OTT: Director Palash Vaswani | Exclusive

Sooraj Barjatya joined hands with Gullak director Palash Vaswani for the production house's OTT debut with Bada Naam Karenge. The series promises the family affair and wedding that Barjatya films always had. We spoke to director Palash and the lead actors Ayesha Kaduskar and Ritik Ghanshani about the upcoming show, and what collaborating with a name like Sooraj Barjatya meant, among other things.

Excerpts from the interview...

Ayesha and Ritik, you come from completely different filmography as compared to Bada Naam Karenge. So, tell me, how did the show happen?

Ayesha: Actually, it's a very funny story. Palash sir made a prank call to tell me that I got the role. I passed the audition rounds with Ritik and we were asked to romance for the take in the final round. While we thought that it should be finalized, the makers took a while to get back so I thought that I didn't bag the show. Several months passed and then Palash sir called me and I was ready to hear that things didn't work out. He built it up also like that, only to end it with, "You got the role." So, I said that it's okay, happens. Then he reaffirmed that I got the role so I was like, wait, what? That's how Bada Naam Karenge started.

Ritik: So, Palash sir played that prank on me first but it kind of didn't work. Then I gave him the idea to prank Ayesha. So, pretty much the same story. I'm just glad that I got this project after getting noticed in Sky Force. The year has started on a good note.

Palash, firstly, what was it like having a name of Sooraj Barjatya associated with your project? Because it comes with certain expectations, and we see that with the Indian families and wedding concept.

It was my personal greed as a director and artist. It was a fan moment when I met him. He's such a legend and I don't belong to any film school, but his films are among those that helped me learn about filmmaking just by watching. I saw Maine Pyar Kiya 10 times in theatres. Sooraj sir saw Gullak and called me. He loved the show and asked me to come on board as the director of the show that they were developing. Sir had the story since 2013, and we took 9 months with writing the series. He guided us throughout. His movies have a strong content and also connects with the masses on an emotional level. They're all simple films too with the innocence kept intact. Thus, I was kicked about working on this project. The story of Bada Naam Karenge connected with me because I'm also from a small-town and now live in Mumbai. These factors worked for me.

Also Read: Sooraj Barjatya opens up on Bada Naam Karenge's family-oriented storyline: 'Best thing that sets this show apart...'

When and how did the idea pop, and what was the moment that made you decide that you want to take this idea and turn it into a series?

When I came on-board, it was a show with 9 episode, and the script was for pilot and second episode. We then worked on the script together. Me and Sooraj sir believe in simplicity and innocence. Here, even the villain is not black but grey. The leads have pure intentions, but come with flaws.

Ritik and Ayesha, a few veteran actors are also a part of the series, so who would you say was a constant for you when it came to getting advice from?

Ayesha: We didn't all shoot together, and worked with different actors at different points. So for me, I got to learn a lot from Jameel Khan sir, since he plays my father. He expresses a lot even with his face and that really was a learning for me.

Ritik: For me it was Kanwaljit Singh sir. I got to learn so much from seeing him on sets. That really helped.

Palash, tell me about your journey from TVF to Barjatya, because they are two completely different worlds. So is Bada Naam Karega your attempt at bringing the best of both worlds?

Of course. TVF is very collaborative to work with. I got the space to speak my voice there. The thing common between them and Rajshri is that there's always truth in narrating the story. The support we get is immense.

What were the challenges with the sudden switch and how did you overcome them?

The cult status of Rajshri should be intact, so there's a responsibility. This is an OTT debut for them and thus, people should know that it is a Rajshri project. Secondly, simple stories are very hard to tell. Horror, thriller and crime has plots. Here it's just emotion and simple stories which is everyday moment for families. There needs to be truth and it should be engaging too, so finding the balance is challenging.

In times when OTT is filled with thrill and violence, comes a Barjatya-esque series. Do you think the viewers are ready for this change?

I would say they are ready and want such stories. The classics - romance among others - are working in theatres. I was surprised how even gen z connected with Laila Majnu. People are just afraid if they should attempt these stories, but I feel that if we make good stories and present them nicely then of course people will like and connect with it.

Can the concept of an arranged marriage work in times of gen-z, where the whole concept of a wedding is fickle?

I believe the representation of gen z or elderly needs to be correct. The problem is how the youth is represented in the pop culture. I have worked with people between 20-30s. They're all working and do not have the time to party. Of course, we all party too. With me, now my work is recognized but the hardwork that I went through to reach here is something that people tend to skip out on. Mumbai is beyond Bandra. What I try to show is that the gen z is connected with their parents. Party is their life, and it's about how gen z deals with the generation gap. We have thus tried to represent every generation as they are.

One reason you'd say that people should watch the series?

These stories are missing on OTT currently. It's a timeless love story. This show is my tribute to Maine Pyar Kiya - a family-friendly romance storytelling. I hope to bring back the nostalgia which is missing.