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EXCLUSIVE: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai writer Bhavna on her writing journey, process, creating Kaira & more
Over 2300 screenplays old in YRKKH, and close to 9 years association with the show, one of the writers Bhavna Vyas, chats with PINKVILLA exclusively and takes us through her journey as a writer, how YRKKH has been the game changer and more. Read on.
Television has always been a writer's medium and while one might like to debate over this, shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai reiterate the belief. The show which started in 2009 with Hina Khan and Karan Mehra in the lead roles has transformed and how and is now being shouldered by Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi. The Star Plus' popular show completes 3000 glorious episodes this week and while actors have changed, the creative team remains rock solid and one of the biggest reasons for its colossal success. Over 2300 screenplays old in YRKKH, and close to 9 years association with the show, one of the writers Bhavna Vyas, chats with PINKVILLA exclusively and takes us through her journey as a writer, how YRKKH has been the game changer and more.
Things weren't always so easy for Vyas who started as an assistant writer to Shashi and Sumeet Mittal some 14 years ago, only to begin writing independently much later. "I was pretty much a failure then but I refused to give back and run back home," she says adding, "And came the turning point of my career in 2011. I was hired as the screenplay writer for YRKKH. And here, I am 2300 screenplays old in YRKKH, with many other shows shining in my CV." Before speaking in detail on how the team has managed to pull off these glorious years of YRKKH, Bhavna opened up on her first encounter with her passion for writing. She said that the 14 years has made her learn so much. "All I learnt in these 14 years is to never ever take your work for granted and be grateful. I don't say NO to any writing assignment, no matter how small or big it is, unless there are time constraints or health issues." She also shared that she takes inspiration from everything for her writing, from web series to Bhojpuri films.
ALSO READ: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai SPOILER ALERT: Vedika weeps as Naira and Kartik hug each other
Speaking about YRKKH, Bhavna opened up on the biggest challenge that the writing team faces. She says, "The biggest challenge for us is to keep ourselves motivated to do better and never get bored or lethargic. It's truly challenging to keep falling in love with our show every day." Elaborating on the process of writing amid huge competition, Bhavna explains, "In today's competitive times, to be honest, TRP is the oxygen mask for the shows to keep breathing. Blunt truth. Yes, YRKKH team has shifted gears and we drive the show at a faster pace than before but we try our best to stick to the grain, the core emotion of the characters. Even if we derail. In no time, we get back on the track."
About her writing process, she exclaimed, "The speed television writing needs has left me with just one writing process - open your laptop and write. I don't have the luxury (not that I crave for it) to keep staring at the mountains or walk in the woods for ideas. My mind and my fingers work in perfect harmony."
Over 10 years of telecast, fans have been quite a support throughout. Ask her if their reactions affect the writing? Bhavna replies, "YRKKH team never ignores the feedback or suggestions from the fans. It's just sometimes we have to stick to our vision and conviction. Because what audience sees is one episode and what we work for is the entire track. Often we have taken up the feedback and changed things within a week. All I want to say on behalf of the entire team is that we do our best to keep everyone happy."
About the pressure they deal with on a regular basis, Vyas reacts, "Pressure ??? Haha. It's like the team is inside a pressure cooker and we are shoved into an oven. It's insane.
Jokes apart, making anyone sad is the easiest thing in the world but making anyone happy is the toughest job out there. And we do take our jobs pretty seriously. We just keep
Trying." Ask her what is the best part about writing and Bhavna exclaims, "That you can create magic. As a team we all are extremely proud of the unique weddings we create and social issues related plots like stalking, child molestation and women empowerment."
She adds, "On an individual level if I have to point out, Kartik and Naira 50 + dreams and Kaira wedding is something I am extremely proud of. One literally bleeds to create such stuff." Next up, ask if they keep the actor's potential in mind while writing a scene? Bhavna asserts, "Sometimes maybe, but we have amazing leads and supporting cast that we know if we raise the bar on paper, they will go beyond their potential and take it to the next level. Shivangi and Mohsin have performed beyond our imaginations so many times."
On the pressure of keeping the story fresh despite so many years, Vyas expresses, "Freshness is recreating the same thing in new ways again and again. Stories are all the same. It's how we present them which makes all the difference. Even if we the writers and creative team are out for a regular lunch, we end up discussing the show. That's how we maintain the freshness I guess. We just never stop working which means we never stop thinking."
How much are actors involved with the writing process? Bhavna reveals, "After ten years, the team is like well-oiled machinery. We all do our jobs in the best way possible and interfere in each other's work only when there is a problem or need. Mostly creatives and directors are in touch with actors so we can't comment too much about it."
Now coming to Mohsin and Shivangi, Bhavna reveals that she admires both the kids a lot. "I didn't meet Mohsin or Shivangi when they joined YRKKH. Met them after a long time. But from the very first episode the famous "tar-tar-tar" scene in Rishikesh, I knew they are going to go a long way. Not just in YRKKH but beyond. I admire both the kids a lot."
Lastly, she concludes by saying, "Emotions, multidimensional characters, the producer and his army are the three USPs of the show."
Here's congratulating the team!
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