We all know that S S Sajjan made his directorial debut last year with Mantram. He also made his television debut last year with a programme in the newly launched Kannada news channel TV5. The programme was called Jawari News. With North Karnataka flavour in it, the programme has become a big hit all over Karnataka. S S Sajjan plays the role of Basya in the programme. In an exclusive conversation with NewsKarnataka.com, Sajjan speaks about his journey in the TV world:
Idea of Jawari News
“I was into films. I had completed my first directorial Mantram and was shooting for my second venture. However, due to demonetisation, the production was hindered. At the same time, my friend Tejaswini asked me to refer a person to play a character called Basya in Jawari News. She was already selected to play Gundakka in the show. As I am from North Karnataka, she asked me to refer a local talent. As I was not doing the film at that time, I decided to play the role myself. I sent a small video which I shot by myself about Basya. The team was impressed with it and they offered me the role. I think it was a turning point for me as today Basya has become a household name everywhere. People recognise me as Basya. I am thankful to Tejaswini, Ganesh Revankar and Dinesh Akula for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful show.
North Karnataka connect
The management had already decided to have North Karnataka connect. As it was a humorous show, the Kannada spoken in North Karnataka was very apt for it. And also we do not see much usage of North Kannada dialect in films or serials. With this show, they wanted to tap the North Karnataka audience. Today we are very happy that not only the North Karnataka people but also the whole of Karnataka have given thumbs up for our show.
Celebrities’ interview
“I have been part of many interviews in the past, wherein anchor used to interview me. But this time it was the other way around. I have interviewed many famous personalities. I have interviewed Upendra, Ganesh, Diganth, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Basaraj Bhommai as well as our chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. It is always good to interview CM in a light-hearted show like this. He was very gracious. However if you ask me to pick one special episode, it should be with Upendra. I am a huge fan of his acting as well as direction. He has always inspired me. The episode with him was my first celebrity episode. Upendra had just announced that he will be joining politics. All the media channels, newspapers and journalists were behind him. He was very busy. When our team requested him to do a small interview for my show, he disagreed as he had another appointment. But after persuasion, he agreed to be a part of the show. He was surprised to see me in shorts taking his interview. However, after the interview, he hugged me and said that this was one of his best interviews. He said that he wanted to bring a change and this show reflected his views. He hugged and complimented me. It was a very special moment for me as well.
Social message in show
The show was initially planned as an entertainment show with comedy being the main aspect. However, as time passed, we saw that the show is being liked by one and all. We thought it would be better if we incorporate a social message in every episode. I see many children act and talk like me. I am called as Basya wherever I travel for the show. They were following us. Cinema and media has always played an important role in society. Dr. Rajkumar is the biggest inspiration for us. All his films had a message as people used to follow him immensely. We decided to have a message in every episode and we have continued the same until now.
Team
“Our team has 5 pillars. I play the role of Basya. I also write dialogues, screenplay and direct the show as well. Tejawasini plays the role of Gundakka in the show. Kiran Kumar is the editor for the show. Yogesh is the show producer. Ganesh is the head of the department, who has always stands for us like a rock. We sit down and discuss how to be different in every episode. I have got all the support from these people. I would like to especially thank Tejaswini. She is from Bengaluru and was not well versed with the North Karnataka Kannada dialect. However, within one week, she learnt the dialect. Today she speaks it so fluently that people think she is actually from North Karnataka.
Film offers
I have been offered films to act in. Most of them come and ask me to play a comedy role, which is similar to Basya. I was also offered a comedy reality show. A popular channel offered me to be part of its serial as a character artiste. However, I could not take up these assignments as I feel TV5 has given me everything. Today people recognise me due to TV5. So I want to spend more time here.
Future plans
“I want to direct a film. I will be announcing my next film soon. The channel has supported me in this. I will be working in the channel as well as work on my film. The film will be a content-oriented film, which will be made in 4 southern languages. I will also be producing the film along with directing it. I will give you more details soon. For Jawari News, we are planning to increase the reach. We want to go to the people and do our show so that the connection will be more.
