Sohail Romani has been in the television industry for five years now. Having started off as an assistant director, Sohail is currently an executive producer with Neela Telefilms’ Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on SAB TV. He is talented man of principles. Tellychakkar.comcornered him on the sets of SAB TV’s long-running serial for a free-wheeling interview for our ‘Behind the Lens’ section. Sohail Romani has been in the television industry for five years now. Having started off as an assistant director, Sohail is currently an executive producer with Neela Telefilms’ Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on SAB TV. He is talented man of principles. Tellychakkar.com cornered him on the sets of SAB TV’s long-running serial for a free-wheeling interview for our ‘Behind the Lens’ section. Excerpts: Tell us how you started your journey in the television industry? Well, I always wanted to become a director. I pursued a course in film direction. Then, I got into Sagar Arts and assisted director Prem Sagar for Mahima Shani Dev Ki. Later, I forwarded my resume to Neela Telefilms for Taarak… as there was an opening. Luckily, I got into it and from there my journey began. How has the journey been so far? The journey from an assistant director to an executive producer has been a memorable one though things have been tough on the way. What kind of hardships did you undergo during your climb? Every day is a new day with a new beginning. We have to be perfect in everything we do. Coordinating with the actor, making sure that the shoot is on time; a show like Taarak Mehta… needs lots of attention and care. Even when I am on leave, I keep on coordinating on phone. As it’s one of the most popular shows on SAB TV, we have to even work for 24 hours at times. Since, I have started breathing and living my profession, naturally I love it. Would you elaborate on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah? It’s one of the best shows I have ever seen personally. It’s been four years since it started and there hasn’t been any replacement in it. I am blessed to be a part of it. Though I have to coordinate with actors for the reporting time, which is very hectic, I enjoy it every time and every day. At times things change due to non availability of actors but such cases are rare. Actors in Taarak Mehta are very professional and they are like a family now. As for the show all I can say is that it’s loved by the people. Your impression of producer Asit Modi? I have been seeing him day in and out and love to work with him. He is a very easy-going person. At the same time he craves for perfection. All I can say is that he is a perfectionist. What’s the difference between an EP and AD? A director will direct the show whereas an EP looks after the call time and scheduling. It’s quite different and a very challenging role. But I would like to become an assistant director in near future. Had you not been an EP, what would you be? I would definitely get back to direction or become an assistant in direction. Does your family watch your show? Yes, they do and even I watch my own show. Lastly, any advice for our readers? Well, be clear in whatever you do and have a zeal and zest for that.