Having been an actor and winning several awards for his acting skills, Arun Ranjankar took to direction in his early years of college. Having always aspired to make it big in industry, Arun is currently helming Saas Bina Sasural being currently shown on Sony Entertainment Television. We at Tellychakkar.com cornered the ace writer and versatile and multi-talented man for an interview for our behind the lens section. Excerpts: How did your journey in the industry begin? Though I belong to a very poor family, I had very high ambitions. When in Mithibai College pursuing my grads, I started off as an actor. I started by taking part in one act plays after which I acted and directed several one act plays. Sitting here, I recollect that my batch mates were Vivek Oberoi and Shreyas Talpade. And to tell you the truth, both Shreyas and Vivek helped me a lot. I shall always be indebted to them that it was because of their guidance that I won as many as 76 awards for acting when I was just 20. I also won 21 awards as a director. Later on, I assisted Ashok Pandit and director Priyadarshini for their film projects. I also assisted director Kalakhuda for many serials. Then I went on to assist Indranil Goswami and Qoeed Kuwarejwala who were directing Ladies Special for Sony Entertainment Television (SET). And here I am directing my first project Saas Bina Sasural for SET. Did you face any kind of complications in the industry? Yes, during my initial days I did have to face issues related to finance when I was a writer. Thankfully, things have changed now. Talking about Saas Bina Sasural, well the only issue that we face these days is the generation gap among actors, producers and directors. Because of this, there is a lack of connectivity. However, in Saas Bina Sasural, I didn’t face this at all. Everyone is very humble and understanding and they understand that the director is the captain of the ship. There is a mutual respect between my artistes and me. Were there any changes in the script while you were busy directing the show? Well, many times there are minor changes but it doesn’t affect me, I make actors understand what is required. They understand their character very well and emote accordingly. You are basically an actor. What made you turn to direction? I chose to become a director so that I could guide many actors, rather than becoming an actor and just guide myself. Tell us about your personal life? Well, I am happily married and have a son who is in 10th standard. My wife Ambika Rajankar is an actress too who plays Dr Komal Hansraj Haathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on SAB TV. Does she watch your serial? Yes, she watches my serial and she is my biggest fan and critic too. As a matter of fact, I also watch myself; it helps me grow each and every time. I can make out if there can be some better things that I missed out. I also watch Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. My son loves watching all kinds of shows. What are your future plans? Well, a few months ago there was a rumour that the world will end in 2012. As it’s rightly said zindagi char din ki hoti hai, what plans do I make. I just go with the flow. I am very much open to all kinds of genres when to comes to acting or direction. I also hope to direct movies one day. Any message you want to give to aspiring directors… They should understand what direction is all about. It’s just not bossing with the actors, it’s understanding the script and the mindset of the actors. Patience and hard work always pay.