A writer for Hindi teleserials Tripathi hasn’t forgotten his roots and mentions that he has no reasons to hide it.
The successful writer recalls his struggles and achievements in a tough industry where he has been living since the past eight years.[break]
What encouraged you to move to Bollywood?
I had always wanted to be a filmmaker. It was a long cherished dream. As a child I used to steal money from my father’s pocket, so I could go to cinema halls and watch movies. After completing my 12th grade, from Pokhara, all my friends started taking TOEFL and other tests to go abroad for further studies, but I decided to go to Mumbai and pursue my dream. Nothing could stop me.
How were those initial days in Mumbai?
A new place without friends and family around, the times were challenging but I knew what I had to do. I spent my days networking with film makers, writers and actors. At the same time I joined Mumbai University for a bachelor’s degree in IT (Internet Technology). It was hard juggling study and work but I managed and received the degree with distinction.
Your first break.
My first break came with the serial, “Heroes” aired from Hungama channel. I worked as an assistant director for the drama. But before that I had also been working on a radio broadcast for Nepali migrants about AIDS awareness.
The program was aired in Nepal as well as in Mumbai. After that, since I had to survive financially I was working for two serials, “Don” and “Saathi Re”.
Then I got bigger opportunities, I took up the job, as a creative director for hugely popular reality shows, “Sach Ka Samna” and “Dus Ka Dum”.
How did “Lagi Tujhse Lagan” and “Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo” happen or let’s say the transition to fiction from reality shows?
When Colors, the channel was launched, the management was searching for fresh stories and in 2009 the story line for “Lagi Tujhse Lagan” got approved. I have been working with “Lagi Tujhse Lagan” since then and creating plot lines everyday.
Then I wrote the screenplay for, “Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo”, a hugely popular series airing from Imagine TV. The show is doing really well and I’m happy.
Hindi Tele serials are often accused of maximizing emotions. What role does a writer play in this?
One must be clear about the way films and serials are made. We cater to an audience that tunes in everyday to see something they are used to, we are the ones who use our imagination to maintain that flow. We have to write fresh scripts five times a week and it’s both hectic and rewarding.
To expect the same fast change of events like in films wouldn’t be right.
How satisfying is your job?
Initially I thought writing for teleserials was not my cup of tea, but now I’m very satisfied with what I’m doing. The pay and work environment is really good. It’s very hard to survive as a writer for Hindi films but it’s different in the case of serials. One gets paid well and the respect that comes along with it is a huge incentive.
When do you plan to move to the silver screen?
My ultimate goal is to make it big in Bollywood as a filmmaker. I haven’t gotten my first break but I believe I’m just starting out. I did work with actors like Vinod Khanna and Mahesh Manjrekar as an assistant director for a film but the film didn’t get a proper release.
Currently I’m focused on creating a profile, making money to fuel my project and aiming to attract big stars in Bollywood through my work. One thing is certain I plan on making a Hindi film, before making a Nepali one.
Is there a particular film that touched you in the past year?
Having worked as a professional in the industry, each time I watch a film I watch it as a director and a writer. But yes, Udaan’s one such film that has stayed with me.
As a Nepali, do you see a place for yourself in Bollywood?
I believe that anyone and any Nepali can make it big in Bollywood, if they have the perseverance and the talent.
I have a place in the industry and it wasn’t easy. Being Nepali and speaking Nepali as my first language, people still question me about writing in Hindi. But I tell them to look at my work and judge me later. There are Nepalis working everywhere in the tele serial industry.
The project you are working on?
I’m busy writing the screenplay for a soon to be launched serial about werewolves and vampires to be aired on Colors from July.
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