Frankly speaking

We just did not realise that TV was growing so rapidly. I was working
at my own pace and suddenly discovered that all my earlier serials were soon coming to a close and I had not begun on anything new

He was among the first to make a long running soap on a satellite television. The soap was the much-talked about Andaz on Zee, which, among other things, was known for actor Kanwaljeet’s penchant for suits. Arun Frank, who directed this serial, has made a total of over 900 episodes so far, including other serials like the recent Aashiqui, Aangan and several episodes of Thriller 10.

Unfortunately however, Arun has no serials on air at the moment. One reason, according to Arun, is simply a lack of foresight on his part. "We just did not realise that TV was growing so rapidly. I was working at my own pace and suddenly discovered that all my earlier serials were soon coming to a close and I had not begun on anything new."

Another reason, as he admits after some prodding, was that he was not really happy with the kind of work he was getting. The offers he got then were just so many variations of Andaz. Arun, on the other hand, was craving for something new. He wanted to try his hand at a serial which had powerful emotional undercurrents, but where the treatment was subtle. He wanted to delve deeper into the human psyche, in a manner which was down-to-earth and yet artistic, something diametrically opposite the glossy and melodramatic Andaz or even Aashiqui.

He already had had enough of daily soaps with Aangan (though he candidly admits that they are very useful when one has nothing better to do!). That is when he decided to do something with a subject he had been thinking about for quite some time. Aanch, as it is called, is very close to Arun’s heart as it is just the kind of story which he always to wanted to direct.

A deeply emotional story, with subtle undertones, the serial revolves around the stormy relationship between a married couple and its effect on the relationship between a father and his son. The serial stars Parmeet Sethi - who took some time off from his own production - Mrinal Kulkarni and Irawati Harshe. "This is my best work to date," says Arun. "The performances are very good, the emotional thread is very strong and the treatment is subtle," he elaborates.

Arun had made the pilot episode of this serial as early as May 1999 and had submitted it to Zee TV. Although the serial has been approved, he is still waiting for the slot.

Apart from Aanch, the one project which Arun is really looking forward to is Ateet, the story of a boy who, after living in a hostel throughout his schooling, returns to the hostel as a young man and tries to trace his old buddies. The story, Arun admits, is autobiographical to a considerable extent. The serial is being produced by Fareeda Jalal and has Naseeruddin Shah in the central role.

"For a long time, I have had the feeling that I am not doing anything purposeful anymore. That whatever I am doing is just a repeat," Arun laments. Well, the success of his two dream projects might just help him find his purpose.

SM