In a realm where storytelling reigns supreme, Anjana Sood stands as a luminary, her narratives weaving through the fabric of Indian television with profound depth and resonance. Rising from the scenic valleys of Kashmir to the bustling streets of Mumbai, her journey epitomizes the fusion of talent, determination, and an unwavering love for her craft. In an exclusive interview with Farzana Syed, Anjana Sood shares insights into her remarkable odyssey, reflecting on her roots, her ascent in the Indian TV industry, and her enduring connection with her homeland, Kashmir.
Q: Can you tell us about your connection with Kashmir?
A: I was born and brought up in Kashmir. That is how my biggest connection with Kashmir exists. Kashmir is my motherland, and I love this place dearly.
Q: How did you start your journey in script writing?
A: It began during my college days when I used to scribble down thoughts and poetry. Eventually, I wrote a play called “Subah Aur Shaam,” which marked the beginning of my serious pursuit of script writing.
Q: How did you enter the Indian TV industry?
A: After moving to Mumbai, I started writing short stories and telefilms for Doordarshan. This led to opportunities with production houses like Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, where I contributed to various successful serials.
Q: What has been your experience scripting blockbuster serials like “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki”?
A: I always believed in working hard and giving my all to the task at hand. “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki” and other serials I’ve worked on became successful due to dedication and determination rather than chasing fame. I started scripting serials and KGGK became such a super-hit serials. Lots of other serials like Kundali, Kalash , Shagun, Hina, Kavya Anjali followed. I produced Maaika, Mera Sasural, then Sabki Laadli Bebo and many other shows. When I was a company creative director in BR films, I got experience in film making, Bagbhaan and Baabul were made at that time and I got a close chance to see film making. That time I did Hema Malini Ji’s another serial Kamini Damini which was a remake of her movie Seeta Geeta.
Determination instincts come up with deadlines when there is the biggest pressure on you and that is how you become all strong. When you have everybody supporting you, especially your family, you become more determined towards your goal.
Q: Do you have a favourite script among your works?
A: All my scripts are like my own babies, but if I had to choose, “Bebo” and “Maika” hold a special place because of my involvement in every aspect, from conception to production.
Q: What are your upcoming projects?
A: Currently, I’m writing a fiction book titled “36, 24, 36,” which I plan to adapt into a web series. Additionally, there’s a feature film set in Kashmir and a book-to-web series adaptation titled “Cinema.”
Q: Could you share some nostalgic moments from your past?
A: Nostalgia hits me whenever I visit Kashmir. I miss the simple joys of life there, like impromptu gatherings and the beauty of Kashmiri winters. A walk from Residency Road towards MA Road college gets me too nostalgic, I feel as if I am walking to my college. I remember, at that time the streets were so colourful. You would see plenty of foreigners and people of all colours. Our house is at Residency Road so I used to go walking to my college.
We had a really beautiful childhood and I dote on those memories. I feel that the youth of Kashmir have not seen that beauty. It was a blend of different religions, different cultures, different languages. The experience , exposure was totally different.
Q: How do you find the difference between life in Mumbai and life in Kashmir?
A: Life in Kashmir was filled with warmth and simplicity, which I miss in the hustle of Mumbai. The sense of community and the tranquillity of Kashmiri winters are irreplaceable. Going down the memory lane, in our childhood there were these little things like getting new clothes, gifts, going on picnics on Sundays. A Sunday had its own value, in Kashmir there was this bell ringing suddenly and you see your friends, relatives coming without a call.
Q: Are there any stories based in Kashmir that you plan to weave in the future?
A: Absolutely. Kashmir holds a special place in my heart, and I’m eager to tell more stories rooted in its rich culture and heritage. There are numerous tales waiting to be explored from the valley. Two of my shows Mera Sasural and Maika, I wanted to start from Kashmir but at that time due to some circumstances I couldn’t come to do that so I did it in Jammu. We started Maika from Katra Vaishno Devi. I am definitely looking forward to doing a few projects in the valley as there are so many stories to be told from here.
