"Indian viewers are still very orthodox" - Aruna Irani

Friday, February 09, 2007

Despite the changing times since she made her debut in Bollywood, Aruna Irani continue to be the feisty lady that she is. Having virtually given up her silver screen career, she is now concentrating on her home productions on the small screen.

From 'Mehendi Tere Naam Ki' to 'Vaidehi', Aruna Irani has come a long way. 'Vaidehi' might have ended prematurely and her next serial 'Doli Saja Ke' on Sahara is yet to go on air, but Aruna is not disheartened.

In a chat with Amit Narnoli, Aruna talks about her new roles on the small screen and even doesn't hesitate from criticizing the viewers, whom she feels are yet to come of age.

Talking about her previous serials, particularly 'Vaidehi', Aruna tells us, "It was a very nice experience and I think people are not yet ready for that kind of show. Though we didn't talk about sex we have to accept that the TV audiences are still very orthodox and simple in our society. I have also learnt that they couldn't digest the topic of male impotency."

But is she happy with the response she got from Sony? Well, Aruna says she is contented. "I have no complaints against the channel. On the contrary they made it a daily show. But yes the late night timing 11.00 pm was wrong. One should understand that during bedtime the audience need light entertainment instead of rona dhonas of a family."

Well, you are right Aruna, but we would like to know when is your new serial 'Doli Saja Ke' going on air. Although it was slated for premier in December 2006, the serial is yet to go on air. "It is expected to go on air either in February end or the beginning of March. You see, it's not in our hand to decide when the show will start. Actually the channel ( Sahara ) wanted around one and a half month's time for the promotion of 'Ghar Ek Sapna', which was lined up before my show. Since this is done for every show, I agreed. Even my show will require the same time period for promotion. After all, ultimately it is me who will be benefited. "

And what is 'Doli Saja Ke' all about? Aruna gets excited talking about her new project. ": Isn't it too early to reveal that? (Laughs) But you will find emotions, love, romance and drama as you have seen in my previous shows." Next, we wanted to know if she had chosen the name of this serial from the film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna that she had done in the past. Aruna is defensive this time and says, "Actually the shows' name is Babul Ki Bitiya Chali... Doli Saja Ke. It's totally going with the story line of the serial and has no similarities with any of my films. Or for that reason, any of my previous serials either."

Now, Aruna, the audience is getting curious about your casting too. They wonder why was your favourite Sangeeta Ghosh, a regular in your serials, not there in 'Vaidehi' and also in Doli...? Are things the same between you two?

Aruna is now quick to scoff off. "Ah! That's a lovely question. We still share a strong bonding. She is a great professional and more than that, a great human being. Once after seeing her in one of my serials, Yashji (Chopra) called me up and praised her a lot. When I told her this, she had tears in her eyes. You are definitely going to see her in one of my upcoming serials."

But your serial 'Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand' was a big hit, but none of your other serials have repeated that success! Aruna laughs again and says, "Just like Sholay and Mother India cannot be made every time; the same applies to my shows too. But from my side I put my 100 percent in all my shows to recreate that kind of a magic."

Besides being a producer, Aruna is into acting too. But doesn't it seem too hard to manage acting in 'Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii' and production? "There is nothing to manage, as I have to give only 7 days in month to that show. You are also going to see me in 'Doli Saja Ke' but only after 3-4 months. It will be a different kind of an entry," she quips smartly.

But then, considering that your husband Kuku Kohli is a director and you are producer, are there any plans for films? "Definitely. If the chance comes, yes. At present I want to be only with my TV audiences. I can't predict the future but this doesn't mean that I am not open to do films. Who know I may start doing theatre suddenly!" and she signs off in grace.