Ravi Dubey turns producer

He is an actor and a host. Now, Ravi Dubey is set to turn a producer too. Along with his wife, actor Sargun Mehta, who has done a number of Punjabi films, Ravi has started a production house. “We had planned to produce films a while ago, but got around to doing that only now,” says the actor, adding, “Due to the love and credibility that Sargun has generated in the Punjabi film industry, we wanted our first production to be a Punjabi film. I am excited about it as it also stars Sargun. We are looking at content that we want to be part of including TV, web and maybe Hindi films too. TV is exponentially huge. It has taught me a lot and made me an efficient person. I have learnt a lot about techniques before the camera and dealing with matters behind the camera.”

Though he is quite a popular face on television, Ravi’s Bollywood career is yet to take off. He had signed a film 3 Dev but it hasn’t got a release date. Is he concerned that his chances of doing films haven’t worked out yet? “When something doesn’t work out, it is for the best. It is a small price to pay for a big lesson. When I signed the film, I made a choice with whatever limited experience I had. Today, I am very pragmatic. I am particular about the projects I do. We work for the passion, as there are many ways to make a living. There are many actors who are earning a lot of money but I feel what matters is why are you in the profession and how do people look at you? In the 15 years of my career, I have got a lot of love from people, which is my reward. I am doing well on television and the day film-makers cast me with respect in their films, I will be happy to be part of their projects.”

Ravi was hosting a reality show that ended recently. Ask him what is next for him on television and he says, “I am working on two non-fiction shows and the announcements will soon be made. As for fiction shows, I am not averse to them but I also don’t want to do projects that need a long-time commitment. I want to look at projects that perhaps need four months at the most. Since over a year, I have realised that working in that manner is more creatively satisfying for me.

So, it is nonfiction space for me right now. Moreover, I find the reality space quite challenging and exciting.”

PHOTO: DANNY ALAGH