Niraj Vikram is the man behind some iconic kids’ shows, including MotuPatlu, Here’s a chat with the writer & actor
How and when did you start writing?
I started writing during my school days. I started with writing plays.
Motu Patlu is one of the most popular kids’ shows. Can you share your fondest memory associated with it?
My fondest memory would be when we went to see Motu Patlu’s wax figures being displayed for the first time at Madame Tussauds, Delhi. They were the first Indian animated characters in that museum.
You have also acted in many shows, how was the journey?
I acted in films like Danga Fasad, Bomb Blast, Laat Sab, Atank Hi Atank, and a couple of more films that were not released. On TV, I have been a part of series like Tiger, Panther, Marshal, Surag, Andaaz, Waqt Ki Raftaar, and others. I stopped acting because I was typecast in the inspector’s role.
A writer, an actor, which one do you prefer and why?
I would prefer writing because that is my main strength. I even used to write scripts for films in my free time when I was in the Army for five years.
There was a time when shows were dedicated to kids, especially in the 90s. What is your take on that?
Maybe channels are not getting much TRPs for kids’ shows nowadays as compared to the 90’s. I believe channels should create a market for kids’ shows. One hit show will do the trick.
What has been your USP as a writer?
My USP has been comedy, whether it is shows for grown-up people like All The Best, Shararat, Knock Knock Kaun Hai and Shadi No 1 or kids’ serials like Sonpari, Shakalaka Boom Boom, Motu Patlu, among others.
Whom do you consider your mentor and why?
Gulzar sir undoubtedly! He has written title songs of most of my animated shows and every time I met him for discussions, I used to learn a lot from him about the industry and the responsibility of writers towards society. He is a university in himself and I have been fortunate to work with him.
Today’s kids are more into K-dramas and Japanese animation stuff. Do you think the importance of Indian mythology is waning now?
No, it’s not less at all. Kids still love series made on Bheem, Hanuman, Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha; and also the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I am writing and producing The Pandavas, which is all about their childhood, and kids are loving it.
What will be your dream project?
Writing a spy series starring kids.
Any one show which you watch time and again?
Tom and Jerry, I see whenever and wherever possible.
