Ranjish Hi Sahi director, cast reveal how the series explores complicated human relationships

The upcoming Voot Select drama Ranjish Hi Sahi (2022) has been created by Mahesh Bhatt. Set in the 1970s, the series takes a trip down memory lane by revisiting of the glamorous era of Hindi cinema.

Featuring Tahir Raj Bhasin as film director Shankar Vats, who falls into a tumultuous relationship with star Aamna (Amala Paul), the show wrestles with Shankar’s dilemma as he wavers between Aamna and his wife Anju (Amrita Puri).

Besides exploring complicated human relationships, the show, produced by Vishesh Entertainment, has music by Aabhas and Shreyas while singers Rekha Bharadwaj, Vishal Mishra, Javed Ali and Ash King provide the vocals.

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Director Pushpdeep Bhardwaj said he was keen on making a dramatic love story after looking at so many thrillers and crime shows being made.

“Through a lot of research and a lot more conversations, Ranjish Hi Sahi came into being,” he said. “An attempt to bring out complex human emotions, based in the golden era of the film industry: the glorious 1970s. Recreating this world amidst today’s testing times was nothing short of miraculous, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of all those at Jio Studios. Now that the show is ready, I am beyond thrilled and can’t wait for audiences to witness our labour of love!”

Expressing his thoughts on playing such a layered character, Tahir Raj Bhasin said, “When I was narrated the script of this unique love story, I was gripped by how layered Shankar, the character, is. What drew me to the part was the challenge of a romantic drama where the protagonist is torn between the love of the two women in his life. Shankar blurs the lines between vulnerable romantic and authoritative rebel. Playing him was a complex emotional roller coaster, but most of all it was a whole lot of fun.”

Amala Paul, who makes her Hindi debut with the show, said, “When I received a call from Vishesh Entertainment to play this character, my reaction was, ‘Wow! Do I actually resemble a Bollywood [commercial Hindi cinema] superstar from the 1970s?’ I was ecstatic, a feeling I cannot put into words, but at the same time there is a huge sense of responsibility. The character of this Bollywood diva had a fierce and unapologetic personality; to translate that kind of energy on screen was challenging. It was like a game of imagination, but I did a lot of research. It was surely an enriching experience.”

“Anju’s simplicity is her strength,” Amrita Puri added. “Getting into the skin of her character was a learning experience for me. Her life and the times in which she lived are both so different from mine. She is extremely resilient and the reason why the family sticks together. I was amazed with her empathetic nature and capacity to forgive. It’s not easy being a homemaker and the emotional backbone of the family. It gave me a new perspective on things.”

Ranjish Hi Sahi is due to be premiered on 13 January on Voot Select.