When we engage in what is naturally suited to us, our work takes on the quality of performance and it is this performance that stimulates creativity. This is very relevant to those into film making. In the case of Bharat Gaikwad, this holds true. After studying in Mumbai’s Wilson College, Bharat wanted to do specialization in Sound Engineering, as Physics was his main subject during graduation. But, his involvement in direction did not permit him to find time for his further studies. As an assistant director to stalwarts like Lekh Tandon and Ramesh Gupta, opened doors for him to direct independent projects soon. His debut as a director was through DD metro’s serial ‘Insaaf’.

Though Bharat made his debut through Hindi, it was always his wish to direct Marathi serials and he got an opportunity to do so, when Sanjay Surkar offered him to shoot 15 days a month for his popular serial ‘Avantika‘. Bharat also had an opportunity to direct ‘Jagavegali’ in Marathi and the popular Hindi serial ‘Kitty Party’. Watching his work, someone from Indonesia contacted him through his friend and invited him to not only direct some of their local serials but also train their people into direction. For about 4 years between 2003 and 2007 Bharat lived in Jakarta and dealt with many interesting subjects, only to gain considerable experience. At present, he is directing a police detective serial ‘Lakshya’ on Star Pravah channel which is the topic of discussion. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with this dynamic director. Excerpts from the discussion:
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Q: For a director, what is important? A script or the cast of the project ?
A: For me, both are important. A good script does make a big difference; but at the same time the performances from artistes are equally important.

Q: What is your way of directing a particular scene?
A: I discuss the scene with my artistes before the shot and explain the importance of the scene, so as to bring out the best out of them. For a director, his keen observation is very important in direction. If he is good at that, he can certainly get the best out of every scene.

Q: After directing few serials with success, why did you opt for an overseas assignment?
A: Yes, I did accept an assignment from Indonesia, as I thought that I would get to learn so many things there in production.

Q: What difference you noticed there ?
A: If you are talking about the audience, they are more influenced by world cinema. They have one hour long episodes. There was no shortage of equipments and I got everything that was required for shoot. The technical support was good. About planning with artistes required little understanding because the artistes left in time, no matter what time they walked in on the sets. So, I had to use my skills to adjust the shooting with their availability. Another good thing that happened in Indonesia was that I could watch so many English film DVD’s there and did a lot of reading during free time.

Q: But, what subjects in the serials are popular there ?
A: They prefer watching something related to magic, action and ghost stories.

Q: You also directed a Marathi film last year. Why wasn’t it a success ?
A: Yes, I directed a film ‘Dhava Dhaav’ a comedy subject. It was a ready made script with artistes that was offered to me for direction. It is because of this reason, I couldn’t contribute much from my side.

Q: But, now, you are directing a police detective serial ‘Laksya‘. How is the response to this serial ?
A: It is because of ‘Lakshya’, my work has come to the notice of many people. I could use all my experience while directing this serial. I have received compliments through many of my friends. A close friend of mine also told me that Mahesh Manjrekar also appreciated it. I also received a feedback that small children in my friend’s society enact the characters of this serial while playing in the evening.

Q: How do you look at the present change in the production of Marathi serials?
A: I myself noticed a big change during the last few years. After my return from Indonesia in 2007, I found some of my friends like Nishikant Kamat and others reaching to great heights. Even there was a big change observed in technical matters. Now, in my serial they are using HD camera, which was till now only used by Nitin Chandrakant Desai for his productions ‘Rajaa Shivchatrapati’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’. It gives a great feeling to work with all such technical advancements in Marathi serials.