I wish to make a big budget Gujarati movie: Mayur Puri

The man behind iconic dialogues like Ek Chutki Sindoor ki Keemat Tum Kya Jano Mahesh Babu, a number of romantic songs like

Teri Ore

, filmmaker, actor and song writer

Mayur Puri

is an Amdavadi by heart. And his enthusiasm is so very visible whenever he visits the city. AT chats with him during his recent visit in which he talked about his love for the city, the art of writing for films and his plans for

Gujarati films

. Excerpts:

What are your memories of Ahmedabad?
I have some amazing memories of the city. From my first romance, first play, to my first television show, Ahmedabad has been the starting point for a lot that has happened in my life. This city has changed a lot in last few years, but what remains unchanged is its warmth. For me, this city means freedom. I love coming back here.

With the Gujarati film industry seeing a transformation, any plans of being a part of it?
I think the industry is in process of finding its own voice. But there is a long way to go. I would love to contribute as much as I can. There are people who come to me for suggestions. I hope the market grows a little more. I want to work in all the genres in Gujarati films. I want to make big scale Gujarati movie, much on the lines of Baahubali that can put Gujarati films on a global map. And for that if I will have to leave my career in Mumbai, I would do that.

From your first project in 2002 to till now, how do you see your journey?
When I started off, the production house I worked for gave me a lot of cushion. And it was only once I branched out to other production houses did I realize what it is to work in the film industry. And at that time, my robust training in Ahmedabad came handy. And I survived with those tricks. Poets are loved more as compared to writers. and I still get messages from people expressing their love and appreciation for writing more than 110 songs. And as a lyricist, my career has been much better than as a writer, I am loved more as a lyricist.

You are into multi-tasking as a writer as you write for different mediums. How do you manage?
I am writing a daily soap and there is no life for a daily soap writer. Every day I write 22 pages and go to different locations for the shoot. I am also a show runner, so my responsibilities are huge. I am back to television after a gap of 17 years, and since then things have changed quite a bit.

How different is it writing for digital medium as compared to TV or films?
I think it is more about writing what you like and what is interesting. What audience you will get will depend on your writing, be it for film, television or a web series. Content is the king and will get you the audience. One can’t underestimate that. You have to go out, live a common man’s life to understand people’s emotions, to write something for them and to feel connected with your story.