Wanted: A channel for comedies only

Comedy is perhaps the most difficult thing to do successfully. One has to do it very seriously. It has to be taken much more seriously than soaps with all their differences and family conflicts, that are “in” today

The television industry is quite similar to our city of dreams, Mumbai. With each passing day it is getting more and more crowded. Everyone wants to be a part of the television fraternity. Nothing wrong with that. But if these people think it’s just a business where you can make easy money they should think again.

These people don’t understand that this is a creative business and you have a responsibility towards your audience. But because of their ignorance, the scenario isn’t good, and it’s only getting worse. Everything seems to be whizzing out of control. No one seems to know what will work. TRP ratings unfortunately, are of prime importance. People talk of being different and the need for change but no one is ready to take the initiative. Everyone wants to tread the beaten path because it is considered safe, though it is really not so.

There was a time when comedies were in after Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke and Shrimaan Shrimati on DD Metro and Hum Paanch on Zee raked in good ratings. This trend peaked with the success of Hum Sub Ek Hain on Sony TV. Suddenly, every channel wanted a sitcom, good or bad was a different story. And makers queued up with proposals for comedies, irrespective of whether they tickled the funny bone or not. The idiot box was inundated with sitcoms which had canned laugh tracks but nothing to laugh about. The 8 p.m. slot was considered the best slot for the ticklers followed by emotional sagas at 8.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.

Now, suddenly, no one is interested in a comedy. All the channel heads want is a family drama with a minimum three generations. More would be just fine. This even though Tu Tu Mein Mein or Hum Paanch are still in the hit list. Even my successful comedy Hum Sub Ek Hai is going just fine in its third year. Of course, not everyone can make a hit sitcom. By hit I mean a show that is genuinely funny. When I try and analyse the reasons behind the success of Hum Sab Ek Hain, I think it is mainly for its script that is meaningful and has a message. Forget others, even if I used the same cast and made another sitcom along similar lines, I may not succeed. To make a good comedy I personally feel the most important factor is conviction.

Comedy is perhaps the most difficult thing to do successfully. One has to do it very seriously. It has to be taken much more seriously than soaps with all their differences and family conflicts, that are “in” today.

Incidentally, I want to know who decides what is “in” and what is “out”. Another thing that bothers me is who decides what is “good” and what is “bad”? It is not necessary that what I like the others must like too.

Today, because Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a big hit and so is Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, everyone’s suddenly interested in a daily soap. The operative word is “daily”. It was “weekly” when Amaanat, Saans, Saaya, Heena and Koshish... Ek Aasha were hugely popular. Weekly soaps then ruled the box. Today, I think dailies have taken over. I have no grudge against daily or weekly dramas. But after all the daily stress and strain, when you are back home, television should offer you something that relieves you from all this and not give you a headache.

I’m recommending a comedy not because I produce two comedies (the other is Yeh Duniya Hai Rangeen). I honestly feel that comedies help you relax, help you forget your worries and problems and not add to them. In fact I would recommend a comedy channel which would screen only sitcoms. I believe Laughter is the best Medicine and it is... try it!

Asit Modiis a noted TV producer