He’s a renowned script writer turned producer who has penned many popular shows for the Czarina, Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms. He is now multi-tasking, carrying out his work as a writer as well as producer.

 We are talking about Mahesh Pandey, the prolific writer who in addition to being a writer, is the producer of Zee TV’s Yeh Vaada Raha, along with Vikas Seth.

 In a conversation with Tellychakkar.com for the ‘Behind the Lens’ section, Mahesh Pandey talks of his expertise in both the fields.

What are the landmark achievements of your career?    

The achievements of my career are that I worked with Balaji Telefilms as a writer. I have written for their popular shows Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kasautii Zindagii Kay. I started my own production house, and then went on to do a Bhojpuri film. Post this, I again worked with Balaji in films as a producer. Then began my journey as Producer on TV, wherein I produced the show Anamika with Vikas Seth. Now we have Yeh Vaada Raha on air, and are looking forward to a good future.

 What are the prominent shows you have written? 

Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kutumb, Karam Apna Apna, Kavyanjali, Kahaani Humare Mahabharat Ki, Sasural Simar Ka, Piya Rangrezz, Swaragini and Yeh Vaada Raha.

 You had stopped writing in between. Have you resumed your work as writer now?

Yes, true that I had stopped writing for some time. But now, I am back to being busy as writer. Presently, I am writing for Sasural Simar Ka, Swargini, Piya Rangrezz. Of course, Yeh Vaada Raha has been a turning point for me, because I happen to be writing and producing it.

What are the essentials of becoming a good writer?

We should write a story in such a way that people should understand and get connected with it.There should be an interesting story that people should enjoy watching. The basic idea of a writer should to be entertain the masses with a catchy story line.

 How easy or difficult was it for you to get your first break as a writer?

In today's time it is not difficult to get a break because there are many mediums. But during my days it was difficult to get the first break. It was not an easy task at all to approach channels and producers then. But now, everyone is on the lookout for freshness. So if you are good as a writer, you are bound to get your due in the present scenario.

What is so special about Yeh Vaada Raha according to you?

The show has an interesting story line, which started with a nine year old girl and a fourteen year old boy. The antagonist in our show Tai (Rinku Karmarkar) is very different and that’s the best part of Yeh Vaada Raha. Usually, the villain is not justified for the action he /she takes, but in Yeh Vaada Raha, Tai has ample scope to justify herself, whenver she does something against the lead girl Survi (Sonal Vengurlekar). Trust me, viewers love to see the drama of Tai.

Tell us about the Maharashtrian backdrop chosen for the show...

The concept of Yeh Vaada Raha came from Vivek Bahl and he wanted the show to have a Maharashtrian family. So the entire story was woven around the Maharashtrian family. If we see, there has been no show for a long time post the success of Pavitra Rishta with a strong Marathi family setup. Hence we took the initiative forward.

What are the kind of changes you observe in the industry now?           

There are lot of changes in the way the story and content are being worked about now. People now love to see drama. Earlier we used to see family based shows, but the trend has changed in the last two years. Now we are getting to see stories of naagins and daayans and people have been loving these themes.

What new trends do you think will emerge in 2016?

I can't predict, but I think people will continue to see more of the daayans and naagins based shows in 2016.

Which has been the tougher task – Producing or writing?

Producing.      

Who are your favorite actors in Yeh Vaada Raha?

Rinku Karmarkar and Ankush Arora.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself being retired and very happy (smiles). My idea is to to work a lot, earn good money and take a retirement...