EXCLUSIVE! Kaamnaa's Mohsin Ali Khan Spills The Beans On Writing For SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior & TV Comeback

Mohsin Ali Khan is a talented artist who has made a mark in the entertainment industry through his acting and writing skills. He has proven his mettle in various creative fields and his noteworthy contribution as a writer includes his audio series, SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior, which has captured the audience's attention with its powerful narration and gripping storyline.

As an actor, Mohsin has delivered compelling performances in popular TV shows like Meri Sai and Kaamnaa on Sony TV, Rudrakaal on Disney+Hotstar, and several advertisements. His innate talent for storytelling has driven him to explore the world of writing. In an exclusive interview with Filmibeat, Mohsin Ali Khan talks about his journey from acting to writing, his successful Pocket FM audio series SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior, upcoming projects, and more.

Here are excerpts from the fun-filled interview.

1) What inspired you to transition from acting to writing, and how did you get started with Pocket FM?

My journey as a writer started with Pocket FM, with one of my industry colleagues introducing me to the audio series platform and the concept of long-form storytelling in audio. Presently, I am writing for 2 shows, one of them being SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior, which has received a stupendous response clocking over 10 million plays in a short span of time. It is crossing 500 episodes soon.

I have been drawn to writing as a means to expand my creative expression and explore newer avenues of creativity. It has given me a level of control and independence to work around my creativity. It has allowed me to shape my imagination, giving me the freedom to express it in unique and personal ways. Moreover, writing is a fulfilling and rewarding creative pursuit in its own right, allowing me to hone my skills and develop my own distinct voice and style.

2) You have received phenomenal response for your audio series SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior on Pocket FM, how is the feeling? Take us through the process of conceptualizing, writing its first draft and final copy.

It always gives immense pleasure to witness your work being liked by millions globally. Pocket FM, with its successful audio series SHIVAM: The Hidden Warrior has given me an identity as a writer, and it's a matter of pride when people around me praise my work.

Creating any successful audio series is a complex and multi-step process that requires a high level of creativity, dedication, and collaboration among various professionals. It starts with conceptualizing the idea, developing relatable characters, and creating a well-structured plot. The script goes through multiple revisions and edits to create a polished and well-crafted final copy.

3) How do you approach writing for audio series writing? How is it different from writing for the screen or stage?

Writing for audio series requires conveying the story through dialogue, sound effects, and music, with no visuals to rely on. The pacing is faster than screenplays or stageplays, with snappy dialogue and a quickly moving plot. The use of sound effects and music is crucial to create an immersive experience. Writing for audio requires a unique set of skills and considerations, but can be a rewarding and creative form of storytelling.

The lack of visual cues in audio series requires writers to be creative and find innovative ways to convey the story through sound, dialogue, and music.

4) What challenges have you faced in your writing career, and how have you overcome them?

As an actor-turned-writer, I have faced several challenges in my writing career. One of the most significant hurdles was letting go of my preconceived notions about what makes a good story. As an actor, I had a strong sense of what worked on screen or stage, but writing required a different skill set and a willingness to adapt and learn.
Another challenge was finding my own voice and style as a writer. It was daunting to put my work out there, especially since I was primarily known as an actor. I had to learn to let go of my ego, seek feedback from other writers, read widely, and take writing courses to develop my craft.

To overcome these challenges, I embraced the unique perspective that being an actor brought to my writing. I had a deep understanding of character and how to create a compelling performance, which translated well into writing. By building on my strengths and embracing my weaknesses, I managed to develop a unique voice and style as a writer.

5) What themes or subjects do you find yourself most drawn to when writing, and why?

As a writer, I am most drawn to themes related to human emotions and relationships. While I enjoy writing in various genres, such as drama, romance, and fantasy, my focus is always on exploring these universal themes.

In drama, I delve into the complexities of the human experience, while in romance, I explore the dynamics of relationships and the intense emotions of falling in love. With fantasy, I love exploring new worlds, cultures, and magical imaginations. My goal as a writer is to use these themes and create engaging and meaningful stories, regardless of the genre.

6) You have worked with popular shows like Meri Sai and Kamnaa. When can we see you back on television?

I am currently exploring new projects and opportunities in the industry and evaluating a few proposals that I have received. Though I cannot provide any specific details at the moment, all I can say is that I am enjoying my stint with Pocket FM at the moment.

7) What is in your pipeline?

I have started working on another audio series for Pocket FM, and I am also in talks to sign up for a few TV series soon. Additionally, I have some upcoming commercial projects that I am excited to be a part of.