PR turned writer, Bhavna Tapadia talks about her first television show ‘concept’ Itti Si Khushi

Itti Si Khushi, the upcoming series on Sony Entertainment Television, from the stables of Director’s Kut will deal with the journey of the girl Neha who would get up with a child-like mind after being in coma for 12 years to embrace a new life, and relive the lost years of her life.

Not many know that this enchanting concept is the brain-child of Bhavna Tapadia, who has been in the entertainment world as PR with channels like Star Plus, Sony and Imagine TV. Now a writer by profession, it was a high-risk choice for Bhavna when she decided to step out of her comfort zone and turn a writer. Presently, she assists acclaimed writer R. D. Tailang for the very popular Amitabh Bachchan game show Kaun Banega Crorepati which also airs on Sony TV.

Talking about how Itti Si Khushi happened, Bhavna tells us, “Itti Si Khushi is my concept that was written two years back. Most of the ideas I get are either based on my own experience or something I have been observing since childhood. It was one of those days when I woke up late and things went topsy turvy, with everything getting delayed and I went on cursing myself for the rest of the day. I have been in the corporate world for most of my professional life and hence we are used to a daily routine schedule which if missed by even five minutes upsets the whole day’s plan, your mood and ofcourse your seniors’ as well. So feeling guilty about me being late, I was trying to hurry up to make up for the lost time. At the end of the day when I sat to take stock of my day on how it went, I asked myself why I was hurrying so much. Neither was I in a job nor anyone throughout the day questioned me even once for being late. I wondered why I could not slow down without feeling guilty about it. One thought led to another and eventually there came a point where I thought ‘Jo log ek din sote hai aur saal bhar baad uth te hai unko kaisa lagta hoga?’. This was the seed that turned into Itti Si Khushi.

She continues saying, “Luckily, in the industry we are in, there are many angels in disguise. One such is a friend Prashant Golecha who suggested that I should approach Rajan for this. And as luck would have it, Rajan liked it and things started moving from there on. He always had the concept in mind but was waiting for the right place, time and opportunity to take it further which happened with Sony. And I can’t thank him enough for this.”

So how does it feel seeing the promo of your concept on air? “It feels really good and more so the fact that it is being appreciated and talked about by all makes me feel even more happy and proud to be a part of this. Imagine you plant a seed and then a gardener comes with all the ingredients required for this seed to grow into a plant…. so when you see the seed turning to a plant and ready to bear fruits… it is indeed a moment to rejoice.”

Moving back to the show, Bhavna explains, “All thanks to Rajan Shahi who had this concept in his mind and the first instance he got to share with the channel he did so without a delay. Soon things fell into place, and from narration to concept sharing and then development of story, all happened smoothly. Makers and broadcasters decided to rope in eminent names of television industry Vivek Bahl, Ghazala Nargis, Anantika Sahir, Trishant to write story, dialogues, screenplay. Most importantly, Director’s Kut team has been working day in and out with the starcast to ensure this concept turns to a show for people to remember for a lifetime.”

How has the journey been from being a PR to a writer? “I have been in PR for about 12 years before getting into writing. I guess it was my inner calling to get into writing. If I have to be honest, nothing comes easy. The journey initially was as scary as I was leaving my comfort zone and risking my career despite responsibilities like any one of us. But as they say… no pain… no gain and here I am….Gain has overshadowed pain. The amount of good wishes, love and affection I am getting from friends and family has been the most motivating factor. The journey has its ups and downs, and with it is fun and you feel satisfied when you look back and you happily await future to unfold.”

You are also assisting R D Tailang in Kaun Banega Crorepati. How’s that been? “My journey in writing started with assisting R D Sir and it continues to be so. If there is even a bit of good writing skill in me it is because of the effort he has put in training a novice like me. Sir has been extremely supportive and encouraging. Working with him on KBC is the most enriching experience and the best platform to start your career with. I have been pure lucky to get this opportunity. Every day you learn something new on KBC. KBC unlike other shows, has a different tone and with none other than the Amitabh Bachchan, it reaches a different height altogether. In few lines one has to say almost a summary of a story and the words are as impactful, usage of Hindi words that even young generations are able to understand is something challenging and interesting. Anyone who wishes to get into non-fiction writing, I feel KBC mein ek baar har sabko kaam karna chaiye. It is the greatest platform to learn.”

We wish you luck, Bhavna!!!