7 minute read
Parveen Dusanj Bedi
In The Spotlight
Advertisement
She’s much more than just Mrs Kabir Bedi. A producer with 10 years’ experience, she has produced, directed, written, developed stories and content for the OTT platform. Meet the very gorgeous Parveen Dusanj Bedi who tells Sumita Chakraborty why her passion lies with content development, her husband Kabir Bedi and much more…
You were the Vice President at Contentflow Studios and a producer with 10 years’ experience of working in the entertainment industry, how did you start in the industry?
I really began my career by working for international clients coming into India for short-form content who needed a point person, a sane voice and a solutions person. From there things just grew. I directed a nonfiction episode for a L.A team and produced the rest of their episodes. I knew I was good at what I did. Foreign clients were always comfortable working with me. They can see my work ethic, the transparency with which I work and my ability to get things done. I think being a Brit in Mumbai has helped me immensely.
How did Contentflow happen?
I was head-hunted to lead the Mumbai offices of Contentflow Studios set-up by Bobby Bedi. We had a 10 stories development deal with the Times Group and shows in development with Zee5 and Applause. A pitch with Hotstar too. I was at the heart of the digital boom. It was an exciting time.
What’s changed in the television and OTT space since you joined?
Ten years ago, I was told by commissioners that audiences in India are single TV set family viewers, not people like us. But with heavy internet penetration and the boom in digital platforms, the scene has completely changed and so has programming. Finally there is a space for someone like me to be producing content that I develop.
Where are you now?
I have my own company, CreativeNation. I have optioned two fascinating stories, both deeply human narratives. Both take viewers into a world they wouldn’t normally have access to and yet the themes and characters are highly relatable. My vision is to build a slate of content that I will produce over the next 10 years. Time is a limited resource and I am only optioning stories or concepts that I’m willing to give 110%. At present, my company is consulting producer for a UK and US team producing 11 short films on social impact heroes across India.
Were there any challenges that you faced in your journey?
In India, I think it was getting commissioners to see me beyond the tag of ‘Mrs Kabir Bedi’, that re-positioning has taken time. With all the clients I’ve worked with from abroad none of that mattered. In fact, the UK team of Bad Boy Billionaires knew me from London, before I met Kabir.
You worked on Bad Boys Billionaires too… what was your role in this Netflix’ webseries?
The UK Producers of Bad Boy Billionaires first contacted me to discuss ideas and pitches based on India for Netflix. I was involved in the early stages and development, looking at narratives, stories and contributors. It was a lot of fun working on something that I knew would be a hit. Presenting all the pieces of the puzzle in a factual manner with no bias was the aim of each documentary – the viewers were left to decide for themselves. The best part was to work alongside a team that was deeply committed to journalism ethics and incredibly strict about protocol – very refreshing. The success of Bad Boy Billionaires shows the incredible appetite for true life stories. I did get some flak for being a part of it, but I brushed it aside – that’s not my problem and neither will I apologise for being good at what I do. I’m proud of my Netflix producer credit!
Could you share any problems while filming?
At times, the challenge was getting people to agree to come on camera, there was a natural hesitation. I also think it’s a deeply ingrained thought process of: ‘don’t get involved’ and ‘stay out of trouble’ to avoid vindictive outcomes. It’s easy to be vindictive in this country – legally, criminally etc. I salute everyone who came on camera. After the success of the series I think more people would be willing to speak on camera in the future - they can see how balanced the narrative is.
Now with the OTT platforms gaining such prominence in India… do you think in terms of content, India is now on par with the world?
Indian content is made primarily for Indian audiences and that’s great, with the addition of OTT we have the whole world who can tune in and watch our shows too – dubbed or subtitled. I know I’ve loved watching Scandinavian noir series and even Italian, Turkish and Spanish shows. Some of my favourite shows in India have been Patal Lok (Amazon Prime) adapted from Tarun Tejpal’s book, Story of my Assassins, Serious Men (Netflix) adapted from Manu Joseph’s novel, Delhi Crime (Netflix) another true life tragedy, Churails (ZEE5), Aarya (Hotstar - adapted from a Dutch show), Scam 1992 (Sony Liv) adapted from Sucheta Dalal and Debashish Basu’s book The Scam: Who Won, who Lost, who Got Away.
What would you say is one of your best concepts?
Pity I can’t talk about it publicly. Both my shows that I’m developing are real crackers! One of them will probably be controversial but I feel all compelling stories must be told. It’s entertaining and very funny with shades of darkness. I have an innate ability to know what is going to be a super success and what will not work. I think it’s my superpower!
You’re married to Kabir Bedi… how is it being married to a legend and an International hero.
Kabir is a creative soul and a deeply thoughtful man, he is my husband, my best friend and my biggest supporter. Those are the things he is to me first and foremost. The rest is a bonus! Being married to him is incredibly fulfilling, it’s hard to explain but that’s the best way I can describe it. As if it was always this way. When I was freelancing and picking and choosing my projects, it gave me the freedom to travel and be with Kabir when he went to film festivals abroad or back to Italy for work. Now, with the pandemic we aren’t traveling as we did and with my new projects, my days are full.
How do balance your personal and professional life?
I find I balance personal and professional life with ease. When I’m deep into a project I cut down on my social commitments and all my friends know that. They are understanding because they enjoy seeing me so passionate and they celebrate my successes. I’m lucky. At home, I manage a good ship, occasionally things may slip but so be it, I don’t agonise over it. I do take time out for a Sunday, it’s my favourite day of the week.
Lastly, what would your advice be for somebody who aspires to be a producer?
As a producer, it’s an exciting time with the OTT platforms welcoming new forms of story-telling and different narratives and new talent. My advice – work hard, earn your stripes, learn the ropes, get your credits and above all be sure you have the knack of picking a good story and managing teams.
