Mark his words

Emmy Award-winning television producer Mark Burnett on the cultural harmony and camaraderie among people he witnessed during his last visit to the Walled City of Old Delhi, which he terms ‘visually stunning’ and why he wants to come back to India…
For someone, who learnt to survive on less early in life, difficulties never seemed formidable. As the challenges that life threw at Mark Burnett grew manifold, his determination to emerge as a winner grew stronger.From being a part of the British Special Forces to taking up the job of a nanny in Hollywood, selling T-shirts and then working laboriously to become the most popular TV producer, for Mark no job appeared petty and from each task he did, he became more responsible.
And as Mark says, his choice to adapt and not avoid the most hard-hitting situations in life, earned him respect, fame and huge monetary gains. “Every job calls for adaptability and flexibility and that’s what I learnt. Trust me, it can help a great deal. So when I became a part of the Parachute Regiment, the job trained me to do more with less food, less ammunition and less equipments. All of it laid a strong foundation for a better future. Later, I went on to become a nanny and took care of children in Beverly Hills. I took up the job because it was need driven and I had to have a way to live. Soon after, I sold T-shirts on Venice Beach, which honed my communication skills. Finally, I went on to be a TV producer. My TV career started and remained in many ways around adventure and, if you ask me, I like it being like that – tough. I learnt how to be mission focused while making shows. You have to keep going at all costs and not get distracted by things which can come in your way.”
Mark, who came from a humble family, recalls the not-so-easy life in England and the financial crisis he could do little about. “Money was always a problem because my parents worked in a factory. This was also the time, when the union would pay women less than men. I remember this being the phase wherein women in the area we lived in went on a strike. My father couldn’t work because of the disputes that happened between the public and the union. Everybody was in the same situation. By British standards, we were very poor people. But this too had lessons embedded. Even though there were financial constraints, my father made me learn the need to adhere to the values of the working class. He was the kind of person who wouldn’t think twice about returning the wallet he found on the street to the cops, even if his financial situation wasn’t stable. Having visited to India, I think the word ‘poor’ is relative,” he says.
Mark’s visit to India may have happened a few years back, but the indelible impact it left on his mind becomes evident as he longs to get back soon, the capital city and desert state in particular. “I love India. There is something magical about the country. India permeates a lot of consciousness of the West. Be it the teachings of Lord Buddha or Gandhi or thoughts of Mother Teresa, people in the west are aware of them just as they are aware of Bollywood and Indian TV industry. I was expecting India to be the way I had seen it in movies. Be it Delhi, Rajasthan, Ranthambore and Agra – every place has something interesting to offer.”
Unlike Delhites who would call Chandni Chowk chaotic and cramped for space, for Mark, the traveler, the place was a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored and cherished for the rest of his life. “When I landed in Delhi, my first desire was to drop in at Old Delhi and take my word, it is awesome. I loved meeting people in Old Delhi, especially the working class. They are ready to explain you everything about the area and help you as the need arises.” And the spicy food? “Of course. Remember, I was born in England? Indian food was always special for us and continues to be the same. Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar were some of the other place we visited.” But the charm of Old Delhi can’t be forgotten. “If you ask me for about that one place I can think of even subconsciously, it would be the Old Delhi. The experience was unforgettable and people were amiable. Even in those narrow lanes, people already busy in their lives, wouldn’t mind sparing some time to help you.”
If that’s about the capital, Mark also has interesting experiences to share during his stay in Rajasthan. “From the lakes, to the palaces and the culture, every aspect pulls you to the desert state. The Lake Palace is unbelievable. Besides the regular sightseeing, I was fortunate enough to have cocktails with Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. All in all, the experience was unforgettable. However, the next time I plan to go there, I wouldn’t like to miss out on the camel festival. From what I have heard, it is great fun. Ranthambore National Park was the next tourist destination I headed to.” Since, Rajasthan has been an undisputed choice for international filmmakers, Mark too has a fascination for the desert state and would love to using it as a backdrop for his projects. “From the point of view to create adventure, Rajasthan because of its climate, forts, palaces, monuments, etc is an interesting option. Its impressive landscape can’t be ignored. I’d also love to shoot in Ranthambore National Park but safety can be an issue. If Survivor has to be shot in India, I think any island in Indian Ocean can be an interesting option. In terms of safety and availability of animals, it makes for a perfect setting.”
Isn’t it strange that in India, unlike the West, shows are essentially celebrity driven and the concept takes a back seat? “About 10 years ago, big Hollywood stars would never be seen in magazines or even on TV commercials. Now it is changing. Movie stars have visibility in magazines and commercials. I think, India is ahead in this process. That’s why Shah Rukh Khan agreed to host the Indian version of “Are you Smarter Than The Fifth Grader?” I was grateful to SRK when my production partner informed me that he agreed to do it. SRK did a great job as the host. Unlike SRK, Mark is not a big movie star, but both performed well. I was hoping to meet him then but it couldn’t happen.”
Enthused with the Indian version of "Survivor", which will hit the small screen next year, Mark is elated about the global appeal of his shows. “I’m happy to hear about the Indian version of Survivor even though I’m not directly involved in it. There are certain things that travel globally irrespective of the different cultures. For instance, “Kya Aap Panchvi Pas Se Tez Hain” was a hit in India. The logic remains the same – smart parents by the time they get 40s can’t answer questions which their kids now. Similarly, Survivor is about testing the value systems of 16 strangers who came from different backgrounds and have to stay together. The cultural value system is what the show Survivor is all about. Very soon there will be an Indian version of “The Apprentice” and that will be loved too.”
divya.pal@timesgroup.com