Rahul Kumar Tewary: I believe creativity is very subjective

Successful television producer Rahul Kumar Tewary opens up about life, making television shows and future plans for his production house Swastik Productions
Just like your show 'Mahabharat', 'Suryaputra Karn' too clicked with the audiences. What do you think is the reason for it?
With 'Suryaputra Karn', the biggest challenge was to tell the story of Mahabharata from Karna's point of view.It was a difficult task for the entire team. But, Siddharth (Kumar Tewary) has done it again. Once again we were able to narrate the show in a very unique way. Karna is one of the most important characters of Mahabharat. The fact that the audience can see the story of Mahabharata unfold through his perspective is the main reason that the audience has appreciated the show.
Swastik Production has made stars out of actors like Ratan Rajput ('Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo'), Shaheer Sheikh ('Navya') and Sargun Mehta ('Phulwa') among others. Your company seem to have eye for right casting and talent.
I don't think anyone can become a star just because they got one good role. They have to be talented enough and have to live up to the character. As a producer, our job is to keep an eye for the right person to play a particular character. We have been fortunate to have actors like like Ratan Rajput, Shaheer Sheikh, Sargun Mehta, Pooja Sharma, Pankhuri Awasthi and many others who have been a part of our shows. We work really hard on our characters and ensure that we have the right actors to portray them. Whatever, it takes, we keep looking for the right person who can live up to the character as visualised by us. I feel that’s the reason why the actors you mentioned are successful, and we are thankful to them for being a part of our journey.
'Suryaputra Karn' had a successful run. What you feel about at a time when shows are being pulled off air in as little as three months because of low TRP’s?
See, TRP’s are not in anyone's control. We do not think of TRP's at all. We simply focus on creating a valuable product which meets our vision. TRP's regulate the business economies of Television. While it’s unfortunate that some shows do get pulled off in few months, I don't think we can blame the broadcasters for such instances. Because, at the end of the day, it is a business and it has to be profitable.
Tell us about your association with Saba Mumtaz and the show 'Meri Saasu Ma'...
Saba and I worked on 'Meri Saasu Maa' which was on Zee TV and also a show on Sony TV. I am very pleased to be in such an association. It's a lot of fun to work with Saba. We share a great rapport and most importantly, we enjoy working together.
What you have to say about the TRP system of rating TV shows...
As i said, TRP's regulate the business economies of Television. It defines the longevity of a show. I personally don't understand the TRP system to the core, but I am sure that in the coming years, there will be a lot of improvement, especially with the advent of BARC. We are hopeful that the system will get better.
What are your views on the creativity in terms of TV soaps, with subjects like gorillas, bees and dayans being introduced?
I believe creativity is very subjective. Yes, there are unbelievable elements on screen because there is an audience for such content. It is being liked by them and the TRP's are working in their favour. So, I wish them best. However, there is a viewer base for other content as well and that's where our focus is. Siddharth is very clear with his vision. We just want to create valuable content that gets appreciated. This is an opportunity for us to create something which will have a significant place in the television industry for many years.
What do you feel about the concept of finite series that is picking up in India?
I feel It is in the best interest of television that such content is produced in India. Today, when Netflix , Amazon and other such OTP platforms are available for Indian youth, there is a definite need for finite series in the coming years. Most of our shows are finite. We enjoy making such shows. Even broadcasters are creating a space for such content. Our viewers will see a lot of such shows in the near future from Swastik too.
Currently, which are your favourite Indian TV soaps and why?
My current favorites are 'Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain' and 'Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi'. I personally called Shaheer Shaikh to congratulate for a specific episode. 'Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi' has a very simple story, and the team is doing a great job. Apart from that, there are really nice shows in the
digital space which I enjoy, like 'House Of Cards', 'Suits' and many others. It's great to see quality content and I hope Indian producers get opportunities to create such content in the near future.
You are into multi-tasking. How do you juggle so many activities together. What is the secret formula?
I guess that, for each one of us in this business, the secret to success is Multi-tasking. We all have a clear understanding of all aspects of the business. Surely, It is very demanding and time consuming. At the end of the day, we have limited time, for that we need right people at the right place. That is the only formula for success. We are fortunate to have a great team which loves to be challenged and has always delivered. Siddharth and I have different roles to play, which probably helps us to effectively manage. Also, with our head of operations Ritesh Kaul, there is less pressure on me.
How does Rahul Kumar Tewary unwind?
Well, I am a workaholic, so it's difficult for me to really unwind. Having said that I play sports like table tennis and badminton. I listen to music, watch movies and most importantly spend time with my kids. That is what helps me unwind.