Shobha De
“I meet a lot of Sukanyas in today’s India”

How did you hit upon the idea of Sukanya?
The character of Sukanya fascinated me. I meet a lot of Sukanyas in today’s India - young, confident, ambitious women professionals with a strong identity and an even stronger sense of integrity.

At a time when family dramas in saas-bahus mould have become television’s staple diet what made you root for a single woman like Sukanya?
I have never followed popular trends. The present soaps on TV are uniformly predictable dealing as they do with saas-bahu situations, joint family problems and extra-marital affairs. I prefer more upbeat, contemporary themes that reflect on a changing society. Sukanya is about a 21st century Indian woman who refuses to compromise on her beliefs and values.

Is the character of Sukanya based on someone you know or is it just a product of your imagination?
Sukanya is not based on any one individual. She’s a composite of several young ladies I come across - my sons’ girl-friends for example or colleagues at work.

Did you have anyone in mind for the role? What made you opt for Roopali Ganguly, a promising actress but not a familar name?
Roopali Ganguly walked into my home to meet me and I instantly knew we’d found Sukanya. She projects intelligence and ability, two very important qualities for the role. Roopali is a spirited girl with just the right attitude. She has grown into the role wonderfully and is doing a great job. So are all the others and it’s a credit to the directors that they are managing to extract such competent performances from the ensemble cast.

Are you happy with the response to the soap considering it’s on a channel yet to be established?
Yes, I’m happy with the channel — even though I had nothing to do with selecting it, that’s the producer’s job. Sukanya is being positioned as a channel driver for B4U. They’re promoting it aggressively. Awareness is very high. That’s what counts.

What do the viewers relate to on the small screen - realism or idealism?
Viewers relate to a good story, well told. Period. They have to feel involved with the lives of the characters. If one can achieve that, the serial succeeds.

Are you scritping any more serials? Any Marathi serial on the anvil?
I am scripting two more serials this year, but it’s too early to talk about them. Yes, there is a plan for a Marathi serial as well..

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