Kamal Monga is a well known name in the television industry. He has been associated with shows like Pratigya, Begusarai, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar and many more. Currently he works with Swastik Production (as a Director) and is actively involved in their current show Suryaputra Karn on Sony Entertainment Television.

We had a chat with the talented man for our behind the lens section. Read on...

Tell us something about yourself?

I am from a middle class family in Punjab. I used to do theatre before joining TV industry. Initially, I started as an assistant and moved on to become a director. I am in this industry for the last 16 years now. Since 2000, I am active as a director of television shows; my first project being Agni. After that I went on to direct shows like Shagun, Babul Ki Duwayen Leti Jaa, Mayka, Pratigya, Pratha, Begusarai, Razia Sultan, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar and many more. I am currently working on Suryaputra Karn.

How has been your journey so far?

It’s been very interesting. Though I have struggled a lot but had an amazing experience working with different production house and actors. The virtual life on screen slowly becomes our second life.

There are so many actors, all with different temperaments; how difficult is to handle them?

We handle actors with patience and love. Communication is the most important thing between a director and actor. You should communicate your actors about the scene you want from them. 

Seasonal actors want to do things their way. Do you allow them or you rule on sets?

Not beyond the script. It’s not about actors or directors; it’s about the project you are working for. The project is more important than anything else.

Since it is a mytho show, did you alsolearn the body language and dialect to guide your actors?
Yes, definitely, as we are the one who makes an actor understand his role so we need to learn the body language and dialect. Once we are clear what we are looking at we can easily explain the actors.

Mytho or daily - which is better when it comes to directing?

I think both the genre have their own flavour. Mytho is larger than life. You have get into detailed knowledge while daily is what you see in your everyday life so you can easily manage it. Mytho is difficult than daily soap.

How much of freedom does channel and producer give directors in TV industry?

Yes, I have always had that freedom and had a great rapport with channels and producers with whom I have worked for so far.

Any actor that you want to direct?

I have worked with many popular faces and amazing actors like Arhaan Behll, Saurabh Raaj Jain, Gautam Rode and many more so as such there is no wish list.

What about Bollywood plans?

Right now, I am working on TV shows. But yes, I think my next destination will be films.