Sooraj Barjatya teamed up with Gullak's director Palash Vaswani for the production house's first venture into the OTT space with Bada Naam Karenge. This series is set to deliver the classic family dynamics and wedding vibes that Barjatya's films are known for. We chatted with director Palash and the main stars Ayesha Kaduskar and Ritik Ghanshani about the new show and what it was like to work alongside a big name like Sooraj Barjatya, among other topics.

Here are some snippets from the interview...

Ayesha and Ritik, your backgrounds in film are totally different from what we see in Bada Naam Karenge. So, how did you end up on this show?

Ayesha: You won't believe how funny this is! Palash sir pulled a prank on me, pretending to say I got the role. I had already gone through the audition rounds with Ritik, and we were supposed to do some romantic scenes for the final take. We thought we were in the clear, but then the producers took their sweet time getting back to us, so I figured I didn’t get the part. Months went by, and then Palash sir called me up. I was bracing myself for bad news, but he built up the suspense and then dropped the bomb: "You got the role." I was like, "Oh, cool, no worries." Then he confirmed it, and I was totally shocked! That’s how Bada Naam Karenge came to be.

Ritik: So, Palash sir tried to prank me first, but it didn’t really land. Then I suggested he pull the same stunt on Ayesha. It’s pretty much the same story. I’m just really happy to be part of this project after getting some recognition from Sky Force. The year is off to a great start!

Palash, what was it like to have Sooraj Barjatya's name linked to your project? That definitely comes with some expectations, especially with the whole Indian family and wedding vibe.

Honestly, it was a personal thrill for me as a director and artist. Meeting him was a fanboy moment! I’ve never been to film school, but his movies taught me so much about filmmaking just by watching them. I must have seen Maine Pyar Kiya at least ten times in theaters. Sooraj sir saw Gullak and reached out to me because he loved the show. He invited me to direct a new project he had been working on since 2013. We spent nine months writing the series, and he was there to guide us the whole way. His films have such strong content and really resonate with people emotionally. They’re simple yet maintain that innocence. I was super excited to work on this project, especially since the story of Bada Naam Karenge hit home for me as someone from a small town now living in Mumbai. All these elements just clicked!

What sparked the idea for you, and what was that key moment that made you want to turn it into a series?

When I joined the team, there were 9 episodes planned, and we only had the scripts for the pilot and the second episode. Sooraj sir and I collaborated on the script from there. We both value simplicity and innocence in storytelling. In this show, even the villain isn’t purely evil; they’re more of a gray character. The main characters have good intentions, but they also have their own imperfections.

Ritik and Ayesha, along with some seasoned actors, are in the series too. Who would you say you turned to for advice the most?

Ayesha: We didn’t all film together and worked with different actors at various times. For me, I learned a ton from Jameel Khan sir, who plays my dad. He has such expressive facial expressions, and that was a big learning experience for me.

Ritik: I learned a lot from Kanwaljit Singh sir. Just watching him on set was super helpful for me.

Palash, can you share your journey from TVF to Barjatya? They seem like two totally different worlds. Is Bada Naam Karega your way of blending the best of both?

Absolutely! TVF is a really collaborative environment. I had the freedom to express my ideas there. The common thread between TVF and Rajshri is that both focus on telling genuine stories. The support we receive is incredible.

What difficulties did you face with the abrupt change, and how did you tackle them?

Rajshri has a legendary reputation to uphold, so there's definitely some pressure. This is their first venture into OTT, and it’s important for viewers to recognize it as a Rajshri production. Plus, telling simple stories can be quite tricky. Unlike horror or thrillers that have clear plots, these narratives revolve around emotions and everyday family moments. It’s crucial to keep it authentic and engaging, which makes striking that balance a tough task.

In a world where OTT platforms are packed with thrillers and violence, a series in the style of Barjatya is making its debut. Do you think audiences are ready for this shift?

I believe they are not only ready but eager for these kinds of stories. Classic genres like romance are still thriving in theaters. I was amazed to see how well Gen Z connected with Laila Majnu. People might hesitate to explore these narratives, but I truly think that if we craft quality stories and present them well, audiences will definitely appreciate and resonate with them.

Is it possible for arranged marriages to thrive in the Gen Z era, where the idea of weddings seems so unpredictable?

I think it’s super important to accurately portray both Gen Z and older folks. The real issue lies in how young people are shown in pop culture. I’ve worked with a lot of people in their 20s and 30s, and honestly, they’re all busy with work and don’t have much time for partying. Sure, we all enjoy a good party now and then. Personally, I’ve put in a lot of effort to get where I am today, but that hard work often gets overlooked. And let’s be real, Mumbai is way more than just Bandra. I want to highlight that Gen Z really connects with their parents. For them, partying is a part of life, and it’s all about how they navigate the generation gap. We’ve made it a point to represent each generation authentically.

One reason to check out the series is that it’s totally worth your time?

Right now, these stories aren't available on OTT platforms. It's a classic love tale. This show is my way of honoring Maine Pyar Kiya - a wholesome romance. I really want to revive that nostalgia that's been lost.

Read Also: Interstellar Re-Release: Nolan's Epic Soars Past New Releases in Advance Bookings

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!