They are the master craftsmen- artistes, technicians,visualisers, all rolled into one. They lend their artistry to mundane associations to create path breaking scenes and dramatic sequences. They are the directors, who direct the cumulative energy of their work force towards one creative whole - they are the captains of shows that make us laugh and cry. In this special fortnightly section, we pay our tribute to these masters, who choose to remain off the screen and create magic on it!

Not so long ago, Satyam Tripathi sported a pony tail and a smile that said, "I am

Satyam Tripathi with Bhanu Uday on the sets of Special Squad

satisfied with the work I am doing, give me more!" But today, his face seems to be telling a different story. He seems tired and haggard, perhaps not so much with the quantity of work that he is doing, but also with the quality of work that he has to be a part of. The director, who has been part of shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi and Special Squad, took some time out on the sets of Zee Cafe's Bombay Talking to talk about his current show and the shows that have made him the man he is.


On Bombay Talking
This is a different because of the language and really, nothing else is different for a director. Here, we don't have exaggerated movements, resulting in very real movements. This is a story of larger than life people, of celebs who live life under the scanner! I only wish the production house had mounted the show on a higher scale.

On life as a creative director, director and writer

I enjoy doing all of these. They make me understand my medium better. I love to write and this makes me a better director and vice versa! I would be incomplete If I had to choose on of these! Yes, it gets a little tiring sometimes, and that is why I was looking forward to the break! (which he had to give up to direct Bombay Talking)

On the kind of shows that are currently on air
Well, most shows today are based on foreign formats and I don't understand this trend! There are so many stories waiting to be done here -- about common people and the society around us! A Jassi might work...but again shows on similar themes might not work!

On what he does when he's not working
I read a lot of books! I really don't think I am going to miss work much once I am done!