‘It’s not the time to sit back and relax’

For director Ashish R Shukla, the success of a project only means working even harder going forward

With a career of over two decades, director Ashish R Shukla is glad to be finally getting good projects to helm. “I am happy to be in a position to pick up projects. Now, I don’t have to think twice before refusing a project if things don’t fit the bill,” he tells us.

Shukla, who has directed Undekhi, Bahut Hua Samman (2020) and Bicchoo ka Khel, shares that the journey to reach this stage has been tough. “I have sweated it out to reach where I am today — from being an assistant to directing OTT series. Having tried my hand at advertising, writing, directing serials and films, I have done my best to learn from all my failures and test my limits,” he says.

Speaking of shows getting renewed for a second season, Shukla, whose OTT series released its second instalment recently,shares that a project getting renewed is considered successful by many. But it also brings along added pressure and obligations to meet the high expectations of the audience. “As a director, it increases my responsibility manifold. Undekhi, for instance, was a huge success. Things changed overnight and the content of the second season had to be revamped, as the reins were now in audience’s hand. We, as makers, had to learn to read viewers’ mind. So, the second season was as per what we could gauge from the rating and reviews.”

Both parts of the show were received well by the audience, and Shukla believes that it is “surely a matter of pride” when all the seasons of a show get to taste success. But this doesn’t mean he will stop working hard. “I am happiest to see the second season being appreciated. But for me, it’s not the time to sit and relax. am already working on the pre-production of two wellscripted projects, including an OTT show and a film that will hit the floors soon,” he tells us

The Prague (2013) and Candy director, who happens to be from Pratapgarh, UP, feels the state is getting its long awaited due. “As a youngster, I always thought ke yaha ke logo ko zyada struggle karna padta hai, especially in the entertainment industry. But, things have changed

today and it makes me proud.

Soon, I too will be coming up with a UP-based project as it is time to give back to my home state.”

I have sweated it out to reach where I am today. Having tried my hand at advertising, writing and directing, I have learned from my failures. ASHISH R SHUKLA, Director