She is the TV Czarina down in the south. Meet Kutty Padmini, the familiar and most loved figure in the Tamil industry. After producing many shows in Tamil, the lady is all geared up to carve a niche for herself in the Hindi GEC space. All set with the remake of her Tamil series, Krishnadasi, she is set to impress us with the Hindi series of the same name, as the Creative Producer.

As we engaged into a conversation with the lady, we learnt about her vast knowledge in the subject, the research and the hard work she put behind this project. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

How did you come up with the idea of doing a project like Krishndasi?

Well, there is a long story behind the making of Krishndasi.

Sure, we are all ears. Continue.

(With a smile) Krishndasi is originally based on a Tamil classic book of the same name. One day suddenly I just found it while cleaning my place. After getting hold of it, I read the book. The literary work instantly touched my heart and I immediately bought the rights of the book. What attracted me the most is that the concept has remained mostly unexplored in popular culture, but that does not mean that the custom is not prevalent. Devdasi custom still exists in certain parts of South India and unknown to many in earlier times they were regarded with high esteems. Devdasis have often been regarded as akhandsawbhagyabati, as they are blessed with being eternally married. After getting married to Gods, elite class used to establish the conjugal relationship with devdasis, but they never really enjoyed the legal status of being a wife. Such practice drew my attention easily and I approached SUN TV to make a show in Tamil as I believed that it would be an interesting watch if it could be presented in an entreating way by introducing some twist to it.

So, how did you think of making the same series on national television?

I always had this on my mind that someday I would explore this theme on national television. But, when I started the project in Tamil, I was too busy and tied up with my regional ventures. Now, after establishing myself over there, I thought it is perhaps the best time to approach a Hindi channel with the same subject. When I discussed the concept with Mr. Raj Nayak, he had a word with his team and everyone liked it. And now you can witness the result.

Krishndasi is a very bold concept. Do you think it will be able to survive along with family dramas and supernatural thrillers?

With due respect to all the show makers, I would like to state that such shows are plenty in numbers. Without any doubt, the makers have done an excellent job, but I guess, somewhere down the line even the audience have become bored of watching the same concept again and again. In such a situation, Krishndasi will be able to give them the taste of a different flavour. Moreover, audiences across the globe, easily connect with all kinds of emotions. And Krishndasi is an emotional saga of women of three generations. Hence I believe that my show will surely do well amongst my viewers.

You have been the producer of the original series. Here you are playing the key role of the creative producer. Are you equally involved in the venture like the original ones?

Absolutely. My opinions have been considered for everything that has been done so far. From casting to set design to production, I have always been informed and Vipul (Shah) ji has given me my due freedom to express my opinion and share my vision. And I believe that with Vipul ji stepping into the shoe of the producer, my show is in the right hands.

What do you think is the unique selling point of the show?

Women Empowerment, I believe is the USP of the show. Every woman has their own rights and they should be bold enough to express their own views. Irrespective of your status or who you are, every woman should enjoy their life and lead their life with respect and dignity. Life is a blessing from the God.

Many literary works have been adapted on small screen. Unfortunately, till the end, the makers could not continue with the original spirit of the literary works. What if your project meets the same fate?

To be very honest, I will try to stick to the original plot. Having said that I would like to add that TRP ratings do matter. At the end of the day it is a rat race and certain changes have to be introduced at times, to make the concept popular among the audience. But, I am sure that none of the makers would like to change the original plot of the literary material.

Many regional cult classic series have been adapted in Hindi, but could not survive in the game. Are you afraid that it could turn out to be true for Krishndasi as well?

I am a very positive person and have a go getter attitude. Nothing fears me except for the Almighty. Hence, I am not keeping anything negative in my mind right now and I am sure it will do well with the audience.

What kind of ventures are you keeping an eye on post Krishndasi?

I am willing to do some socio mythological series in Tamil; something which can bring variation for the audience. At the same time I have a project on my mind about contemporary modern women; not the ones depicted on TV screens. My characters would be similar to us, the mirror image of women we see around us. Even in that case, I will try my hands in South industry first, then bring it on Hindi television.

We wish you all the luck for the same Padmini.