Mukesh Kumar Singh, the director behind many famous television mythological and historical shows like Ramayan (Zee TV) Mahabharat (Star Plus), and Dharam Veer, among others, creates magic on the small screen to bring out something beyond imagination.

Tellychakkar.com corners this effervescent director for a freewheeling chat for our Behind the Lens section.

Excerpts:

Tell us something about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Bihar and did my post graduation in dramatic art, where I was also a gold medalist. In 2000, I came to Mumbai to fulfill my dreams of becoming a director. I started my career working with Shri Adhikari Brothers. My first show with them was the thriller Suraag. I am very thankful to Gautam Adhikari for giving me the opportunity to direct their shows.

How has your journey been so far?

The journey has been very satisfying. It wasn’t a cake walk as there was a time I was sitting home for two years jobless. But due to my respectful nature, I have only made friends in the industry.

Tell us few of the shows that you have worked on...

Suhaag (Imagine), Dharamveer (Imagine), Shakuntala (Star One), Meera (Imagine), Ramayan (Zee TV) these are few of my good shows, which were well-appreciated. I have also worked on Mahabharat (Star Plus), Bandhan (Zee TV), Razia Sultan (&TV) Hanuman (Sony TV).  

Share your working pattern with us...

I don’t follow any particular pattern. I first read scripts and accordingly, work on it. Sometimes, I also make changes in the scripts that lead to creative clashes. Ultimately, it is all for the betterment of the show.

So how long have you been in this industry?

I started my career in 2000, so it’s been fifteen years!

Which genre do you prefer the most?

I enjoy all genres, but after doing so many mythological and historical shows, makers approach me to direct same type of genre. But for me all genres are good if it is told and directed properly. Whether it’s a mytho, comedy or a thriller genre.

What's the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part of my job is handling actors and hundreds of crew members together. By now, I have learnt to deal with them as for me nobody is big or small. According to me, a director’s job is to get the best out of an actor.

Have you ever faced any kind of actor tantrums?

Yes, very much. Initially, I used to get humiliated. But with time, I have learnt to tackle it all.  

Who are your favourite actors/ show on television?

From the bunch of actors that I have worked with, I like Saurabh Raaj Jain and Pooja Sharma. They both are very dedicated and such actors are very rare to find. Though I like to work with new faces, given a chance, I would love to work with Pooja and Saurabh again.

Do you watch serials and keep a tab of what is happening in other shows?

Yes, definitely. In my free time, which is very rare, I make sure to watch other shows and try to employ that in my direction. There should be no end to learning.

What advice would you like to give aspiring directors?

There was a time when a director had to take care of scripts, costumes, screen play but now a days, the young directors are just concerned about directing scenes and going home. Hence, I would advice all  aspiring directors to take knowledge of pre-production to post production. They should learn scripting and also know what to edit and what not to. If the director’s job was only to capture shots, that a camera person can also do. So,proper knowledge is always good.

What are your future plans?

I want to spread my wings in producing movies and TV shows in the near future.