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Writer Ravi Rai to start ‘script shop’ Authorship
MUMBAI: After television broadcasting distribution specialists Fifth Avenue Media Services, it is the turn of a specialised outfit which offers writing services to TV producers, channels and even film producers. Business processes outsourcing (BPO) seems to have become the name of the game in the Indian television industry!
Ravi Rai, the maker of successful soaps – Sailaab, Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai, Imtihan, Sparsh and Teacher – is ready with his latest venture authorship. To be a subsidiary of Rai’s company, Krishna Images, the outfit will employ a team of writers who will constitute a one-of-its-kind script shop.
Rai has already bagged some assignments from Bollywood producers such as Ashish Chanana and is in the process of appointing a sales team who will approach TV producers and channel programming heads. “We shall enter into an agreement with the producer or the channel and deliver screenplay, scripts based on the individual requirements. Our team will offer a ‘menu’ of options and a la carte services,” says Rai.
Rai had been toying with the idea of starting an outfit which could offer a menu of writing related services. “Several producers and channel programming teams have good concepts and ideas. However, they don’t have talented writers who will give a proper structure form and shape to the ideas,” says Rai who strongly feels that the writer in him dominated the director in him.
Authorship will employ a team of talented writers – each of who will specialise in different genres such as crime, or social themes or high society preoccupations or family oriented topics amongst others. Each writer will have a core domain knowledge and specialise in one particular genre. Rai will supervise the team and offer inputs based on his experience.
“In the case of television, good script writing is like creating a map where the maker is very clear about where he starts off and ends. It is necessary to have the alternate options ready in place even before the serial starts airing. Currently, makers of software start telecasts and then panic when the serial doesn’t pick up. They resort to gimmicks and this damages the flow of the soap or serial,” says Rai.
When questioned about the fact that Rai had a reputation of being a creative hotshot who didn’t like interference in his scripts, Rai clarifies: “Well, with Authorship, we are making an effort of moving into the service industry. Yes, we shall provide choices to the client but will ultimately do what the producer or channel wants us to do. Authorship will not impose but serve.”
Eventually, Rai also plans to start an institute which will mould writers, actors and directors. “By itself, Authorship will be a school where different insights will be made available to the team of writers. I understand that each writer will come from a different background and have varied tastes. But each of them will bring some insight and understanding of certain issues. I shall nurture and mould their talent and tune them to the requisite level so that the writer will bloom!” promises Rai.
Also read:
Interview with Ravi Rai – Marketing considerations have overtaken programming needs.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
