"I have a fascination for thrillers, but don't forget, I also wrote many episodes of Rajni. Today, I would even love to do a soap. I have the basic criterion of a good writer, that is because I have been an avid reader from childhood," says writer Mrinal Jha, who also wrote a chunk of Mano Ya Na Mano and Kaahin Kissii Roz. Currently, she pens Meher for DD too.
As of now, Jha, who co-authored the novel November Rain on which Aruna Irani's Tum Bin (Zee) is based, is terribly peeved. "Ekta Kapoor has taken concept credit for Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat (Sony) but the first episode of her current series was almost a frame to frame copy of my series," she complains.
Jha has gone ahead and served a legal notice on Balaji Telefilms for "concept theft" over their latest series Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat.
In her freewheeling interview to indiantelevision.com's Vickey Lalwani, Jha spoke about her distress, Balaji House stint, and lots more. Excerpts:
When did you first realise that the "concept theft" had happened? |
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How did you check your doubts? |
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You have blamed the person who originated with the concept (Ekta), not the writer (Mushtaq Sheikh)? |
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You and Ekta have worked together before. Couldn't you'll have resolved it amongst yourselves? |
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Still, isn't your complaint too harsh? Recently, 'Bhabhi' did a take on 'Trishul', 'Saara Akaash' did a take on 'Lagaan', 'Sanjivani-A Medical Boon' did a take on 'Masoom'. We all are inspired by each other... |
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Does 'Tum Bin' stand to lose out? |
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You sound extremely peeved? |
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How do you expect to be compensated? |
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Would you be okay if she puts your name in credit titles hereafter? |
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Is there originality on television today? |
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How do we do that? |
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Do you blame the channels for asking the producers to dish out only what is working? In other words, aren't the channels responsible for the herd mentality if one may put it mildly? |
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Think of it, the herd mentality is a collaborated effort? |
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Rewind. Why did you leave Balaji House? Are you hinting that 'Kaahin Kissii Roz' should have ended before it entered the reincarnation phase? |
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Why do you think the decision to change the format was taken? You are currently writing 'Meher', but earlier someone else was writing. Is a change of writer good for the serial? What's the difference between Aruna Irani and Ekta Kapoor? You have worked with both of them. Is there any chance that you and Ekta may work again? |