No one can compete with Irrfan Khan: Shailja Kejriwal

Shailja Kejriwal, who revamped Star Plus with shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, has become a film producer. She co-produced and co-wrote Irrfan Khan’s new movie, Madaari.

Shailja Kejriwal has worked on some of the biggest shows on TV — Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kaun Banega Crorepati — over the past decade. Currently, she heads a channel that showcases Pakistani shows in India.

Recently, Shailja turned co-producer with Irrfan Khan for his new film, Madaari.

Recently, Shailja turned co-producer with Irrfan Khan for his new film, Madaari. She co-wrote the movie with Irrfan’s wife, Sutapa Sikdar. She says Irrfan was the only actor she had in mind for the film. “Sutapa, Irrfan and I have known each other since our TV days. When I went to him with the story, he loved it. Irrfan was clear he wanted to make the film his way. I don’t think anyone could have competed with Irrfan for this role,” says Shailja.

Read:Shailja Kejriwal on the idea behind making short TV films

Speaking about television, she says a lot of the research, especially about the kinds of shows that should be done, and what is working or not working with audiences, is a farce. She says, “The research tells you what you want it to tell you. Research agencies know the answers that a channel or a producer wants. I got bored of TV for this reason.”