Shakalaka Boom Boom & Chhota Bheem Writer Niraj Vikram Reveals How He Keeps Humour Intact In His Shows- EXCLUS

At Filmibeat, we believe in giving the spotlight to the artists, directors, producers, cameramen, dancers, singers and choreographers, who play a big role in the success of a film, OTT show or TV series. While we love our daily dose of entertainment, movie reviews, TV shows coverage; interviews act as a feather on our cap.

When we interacted with Niraj Vikram, the man behind projects such as Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan, Shashtra, Anth, Son Pari, Motu-Patlu, we got to know different aspects of filmmaking. Here are excepts from the detailed interview.

Q 1. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the world of writing for animation and children's shows?

Ans- I am an Ex-Army Captain, I left army after five years and came to Mumbai. Here I started looking for work in Bollywood. I was always interested in writing. In my school college days, I used to write plays. After two-three years of struggle I got my first
opportunity as an actor and while acting in that film I narrated a subject for a TV serial, director Umesh Srivastava liked it and myfirst serial was made, it's name was DUNIYADARI, Hero was kiran kumar. Then I got a call to write a tv serial from Sameer Kulkarni, director of "All the best " Tv serial, produced by Adhikari bothers. This serial was hit, Satish shah, Swaroop sampat were the cast. Sameer Kulkarni again called me to write "shakalaka Boom Boom produced by UTV & Son Pari produced by Anupam kalidhar and presented by Neena Gupta. Both serials were super-duper hit and I started getting all kids shows.

Dheeraj Berry, One of the assistant director of Sonpari, was working for Cosmos Maya and they wanted to make Motu Patlu the famous characters of LOT POT Magzine, Dheeraj called me to write Motu Patlu and it was instant hit, from then I came into animation world and still writing.

Q 2. How do you go about creating memorable and relatable characters for children?

Ans : I observe from life. In day to day life, if you look around ,you will find many interesting characters and I choose from them.

Q3: What were some of the key themes you wanted to explore in this movie?

Ans: I had only one thing in mind, who convert animation characters into live action and make them as lovable as they are in animation. My total focus was on that. I tried to make them humorous , hilarious, brave, simple, so kids can connect themselves and enjoy the whole move. My only theme was entertainment. How to entertain full family and not only kids

Q 4. How do you ensure the humor in "Motu Patlu" resonates with both children and adults?

Ans : When I write, read the script again and again and try to see if scenes will be enjoyed by kids only aur by adult also, Because there are many things on which kids laugh but adults may not laugh, so I have to keep balance of slapstick comedy and dialogues where both can enjoy.

Q 5. How do you see the landscape of children's entertainment evolving in the next few years?

Ans : The way local content is being appreciated by kids, I see a bright future for the children 's entertainment not only in India but abroad also .

Q 6. What are some of the most memorable reactions or feedback you've received from fans?

Ans: when kids repeat dialogues of Motu Patlu like KHALI PEIT DIMAG KI BATTI NAHI JALTI, CHINGUM KE CHUNGAL SE BACHNA YEM POSSIBLE YEM POSSIBLE etc . I meet kids in schools or parties and quite often I find kids repeating these dialogues. These are the best reactions from my fans I ever get and not only in India, I have seen kids saying these dialogues in Nepal also. The most memorable feed back by any fan I got in a flight, when some kids who were siting next to me , came to know I am writing Motu Patlu, they wanted to have selfie , autograph in aircraft only and one kids started mimicking Inspector Chingum and Motu , all passengers were watching this, though it was embarrassing for me but I loved this reaction.

Q 7. Are there any new projects or stories you are currently working on that you can share with us?

Ans : yes I am working on couple of new projects in animation one is super hero type other is chase comedy but I cant share details till channel announces them . Then I am writing one hindi movie for a big producer again I cant share details till he announces, Then I am writing producing and directing one chhattisgarhi film, very soon. I have already written and produced one, before by name of MAHU KUNWARA TAHUN KUNWARI , which was a hit movie, next could be its part 2

Q 8. What significant changes have you seen in the children's entertainment industry since you started?

Ans : I see lots of significate changes in kid's entertainment since I started, storytelling is changing as per time, kids are more into high tech Sci fi things so, stories can't be now Chanda mama style , animation qualities is improving day by day, because we have to compete with international serials and movies. Kids are watching all international products also , so we can just sell them anything we want. Kids are becoming smarter and wiser day by day, so we have to keep that in mind while making our series or movies

Q 9. How do you want your stories and characters to be remembered by future generations?

Ans- I want my stories and characters to be remembered with a smile on kids face. Like when kids remember Motu Patlu, Dr Jhatka, Ghasitaram, Inspector Chingum they immediately smile and laugh, mimicking their dialogues, when they remember Chhota Bheem they should smile and think they can be as brave and honest like Bheem. Likewise I want all my characters to becoming immortal in kid's mind and give them something to learn, Like value of friends ship, honesty , bravery, truthfulness, love for animals and humans etc