I've always had this fear in me. What would life be like if I wasn't Number 1 on television? But I've learnt to overcome that fear.
I have always wanted to outdo myself, be it films or shows.
Balaji has always had great market presence, be it in film or television - everyone was talking about the titles, about what happened on the sets, even the most bizarre and outrageous things are out there to be judged by audiences who inevitably decide to come to the theatres to watch our film.
Even though you might believe you have the best product on the market or the best film in a really long time, not everyone will agree. The film may be the best thing since sliced bread, but you have to have great publicity to back it up.
Movie promotions - as with all business, it is an important part of any release because of the inherent high financial risk, and sometimes they tend to equal anywhere between half or three times the production budget.
When Balaji decides to release a film, all you will see and hear will be concerning the film - we go all out! Promotions are a big part of our banner - we believe in marketing... in letting audiences know what they are in for.
To survive in a creative economy, you need basic instinct! You have to know and smell your viewer.
I have realized that the taste of the viewer can constantly change. So you need to sniff out the need for change. Constantly restructuring your own business to cater to changing taste is imperative.
There will always be some films that the audience would like and some that they don't. But if I start becoming a slave to appreciation, I will be subjecting myself and my talent to one particular type of taste. I don't want to do that.
I don't want to be sitting and pondering over how many stars my film will get. It's rubbish! I make films that I like - some get really appreciated, and some don't. Till now, luckily, they have done well, but I can't become a slave to that. And I won't - never!
I would be surprised though if I don't get unbelievable critical acclaim for 'Dirty Picture' and a national award for my actress, Vidya Balan. The movie has one of the most well-written scripts I have come across, and a lot of youngsters in my office have looked at it with great admiration.
When I had introduced 'Kandy Floss,' I was a bundle of nerves... I had done a non-fiction programme before - 'Kosmiic Chat' with Sunita Menon. But this one I was really scared of.
I don't know if somehow success has made me conservative. With every passing year and with every success, I get more aware of the responsibility on my shoulders.
Very few know that I was a complete wild child.
There was a time I'd sing and dance at night clubs, but now I don't do that.
I've never had a problem with criticism. Whether films or television, I've lived with it and emerged stronger.
I feel whenever my shows are too hyped, they usually don't work.
I don't think hype always works. It can get you initial audience, but eventually, it's your story, and the characters need to hold audience's attention.
You have to show up when your show fails - or it succeeds. When you are enjoying the glory of success, you have to show up and still work hard because it may not last. You have to do your job with the same sincerity when you started and till you can actually do it with passion.
I cannot even begin to express how happy my baby's birth has made me.
