Nivedita Basu who is now the senior VP Group at Atrangii, has produced many big shows for the small screen as well as the web. Nivedita, has also worked directly under the tutelage of producer Ekta Kapoor on many big projects such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. She says that her journey has been her biggest teacher.
“I think there is a lot of resilience needed in production. You cannot be affected by the negativity that surrounds you and allow it to envelope you. Your energy needs to be preserved for your efforts to keep going, despite the failures. This is the mantra of being in the industry. I have always given more than what my job needed. In fact, I believe that you shouldn’t work according to your given salary, always work more to be noticed, so that others can realise you are here for growth and not just money,” she says.
She adds, “When I talk to so many youngsters, they always tell me that it was so lucky that I got to work with Balaji. All I want to say is that Balaji was not always Balaji! When I started working with Ekta, It wasn’t Balaji, it was Jitendra ji’s daughter doing something different. It was amazing but it was tough too. But thanks to Ekta, back then, and her guidance, I am so grateful to have learnt so much.”
Nivedita says that today’s generation has so many options while choosing their professions. “It sure is refreshing to see how various career options are available for kids today. I remember, during our times, we were asked if we wanted to become engineers or doctors. In fact, when I joined DCSC my father got me enrolled in a course which was advertising in film promotion and, for me, that itself was a win-win situation. I didn’t want to take the regular courses,” she says.
She adds, “But yes, I do admit that competition has also grown by leaps and bounds. Be it the media industry or hospitality, you need to be better than the best to succeed. Besides this, there is a constant need to keep updating and improving your skill and craft. Only then will the market notice you and your services will be utilised.” You need to have luck on your side too, she says, adding, “Definitely I would say that destiny plays a lot of work where you land up at what time. Luck may be for people who have little bit of connections and obligations. It’s all destiny and it’s all written up there, though you should keep chasing it.”
