How did you come up with the idea of double role project on the small screen?
HS: We have been producing movies since a long time. I always wanted to diversify into TV and was looking for some unusual theme. When I heard the concept, I liked the story which is based on a novel. It inspired me to make Dishayen.
PG: Nupur, Ajitabh Menon and I were working on this concept for a long time. We haven’t seen twins on TV, so it was thrilling to bring up this concept. We had decided that it’s going to be comedy with a series of drama involved in the plot. The two lives will have two sets of audiences and here’s Hubahu for you all.

What did you like about the double identity?
HS: We have seen many films over the years with double roles. While one is usually timid and playing positive, the other is always playing negative in films. However, in Dishayen, both the sisters play very strong positive characters. The success of Dishayen has written a new chapter in TV today.

PG: Hubahu is about forbidden love, sense of distance, tears and about stepping into someone else’s shoes. The grass is always greener on the other pastures. But then, one has to be content to live one’s own life. One and all will like how the two sisters switch their places and what they go through.

DISHAYEN: Premiered on DD on October 8, 2001 Banner: Time Magnetics (India) Ltd Producers: Hasmukh Shah and Narendra Kessar Director: Sundeep Dara Cast: Karan Oberoi, Purbi Joshi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Rajive Verma, Shagufta Ali, Vineeta Malik, Smita Hai, Jayaa Mathur, Rajni Chandra, Dharmesh Vyas and Reena Kapoor.

How do you feel about it?
HS: It certainly feels good when you succeed. Dishayen’s success has boasted the spirits of each one of us. I am happy that I am the first producer to introduce double role on the small screen. I am really happy.

PG: I have heard about the serial on DD but haven’t had the chance to watch it. Dishayen started in October 2001 and we have just begun our journey. However, the feedback from fans have boasted our spirits and we are glad that everybody likes Hubahu, too. Dishayen sure has beaten us as they were the first to air their serial, but I guess both the banners were working simultaneously at the concept level. I am glad that today audiences are open to something new. Both the serials have proved this.

What made you to take Sundeep Dara / Nupur Asthana as your director?
HS: The boy is very dedicated. The vibe that we shared at our first meeting was amazing. He’s poised and works very hard like it’s his own baby. I knew I didn’t make a mistake signing Sundeep Dara.

PG: As I said earlier, Nupur was involved right from the beginning. I have worked with her earlier and we have a strong bond of understanding. Nupur has given some of the best serials to the audience. We are a team now. (Smiles).

What about future projects?
HS: We have shot two pilots and are working on various concepts. It’s really too early to talk about them now. Few films are also on the anvil. So you all have to wait for more good projects coming your way from Time Magnetics.
PG: We are working on various projects, films and TV simultaneously. Time will tell.

Whose idea was Dishayen / Hubahu?
SD: Ila Bedi Dutta and Meenakshi Gupta came up with this unusual concept. When we all heard it, it was thrilling and challenging to make this project a success.
NA: Ajitabh Menon, Parvati and I sat for a couple of months and that’s how Hubahu came up. Hubahu is a challenge because of all the fun that Sandhya is having playing two different characters. As a director, I had to justify that it’s consistent all through. It was exciting but much more challenging.

Challenging, in what ways?
SD: It was for the first time that on the small screen double roles were being enacted. Initially, I did face a little difficulty because technically it’s not easy to direct. However, as we made progress it became easy with Purbi doing a great job. Freezing the frames while Purbi changes fast into another character sometimes takes a toll. It’s fun but tiring.
NA: In our third episode itself, we had both the sisters in every single frame. The involvement of computer graphics, the switch over of Sandhya Mridul from Ananya to Aditi, technically as well as being a director, it was very challenging and difficult. However, Sandhya is a great actress and has delivered beautifully.

HUBAHU: Premiered on SONY on February 7, 2002 Banner: E-motion Pictures Producers: Milind Soman and Parvati Gopalan Director: Nupur Asthana Cast: Sandhya Mridul, Tarun Raghavan, Suchitra Pillai and Rajat Kapoor

What have you to say about your serial?
SD: When we started the project, we knew there were others who were also working on the double role concept. We wanted to be the first and when DD cleared the project, we were very happy to become the first to air the show with a fresh concept. It gives a good feeling to be the first. With the success of Dishayen, it was bound that others would follow. This happens in the film world also. So we were really not surprised when Sony came up with Hubahu.
NA: Certainly we all do feel sad that we came out late with the show, which is so beautiful. However, both the banners were making headway with the twin sister concept together. I guess time plays an important role in each release. I haven’t seen the serial but I am sure one can see the difference because we have really worked very creatively. I am happy that at least producers are breaking the regression of saas-bahu soaps. It’s a good sign that creative people are trying new concepts.

what about the success?
SD: (Smiles) Happy of course! I am getting good offers from other producers. Dishayen’s success sure has opened a new chapter in television history. I am glad that Hasmukh Shah entrusted me with the job.
NA: It’s too early to talk about Hubahu’s success. However, we are happy with the audiences’ response from all over the nation. We have shot in Mumbai and Bangkok. The feedback from viewers is amazing and I am sure about Hubahu’s success as the serial progresses.

How did you select your lead actress?
SD: I had worked with Purbi earlier in Shenai. We screen tested many girls but Purbi stood out. In one word, I must confess that Purbi is just mind-blowing. She has really worked hard and knows exactly what I want from her. That makes the working very easy. The way she has differentiated both the characters, it’s just amazing.
NA: Sandhya was our first choice. She gave a beautiful performance in Koshish Ek Asha. I had the confidence that Sandhya will deliver what I wanted from her. She’s a dedicated actress and very passionate about her work. We understand each other very well.