Comedian Biswa Kalyan Rath turned writer with web series Laakhon Mein Ek on Amazon Prime Video. While the first season was based on coaching classes for IIT, the second season features actress Shweta Tripathi as a doctor and is based on the medical industry in India. Biswa will be playing a role as he did in the last season. Just like the previous season, this season is also going to tell us the story of one individual pursuing their dreams against all odds.
1. Tell us about Laakhon Mein Ek.
Laakhon Mein Ek is an anthology series that focuses on the extraordinary journey of an ordinary person. The first season was about a student in a coaching centre. The second season is about Dr Shreya Pathare in the medical world. It focuses on her struggles in the system.
2. How different is it from the first season, in terms of writing and screenplay?
The first season had 6 episodes, this has 8 episodes. The first season was mostly from only the protagonists perspective. This has many parallel tracks and focuses on the journey of many characters. This is a much harder screenplay to write as it involves a huge cast of characters.
3. We read that the basic idea and concept of the first season was inspired by a few personal experiences. Is it the same for this season as well? Was there any difference in your approach to creating season 2?
As you have correctly pointed out, season 1 was based on personal experience. For season 2, we have done a lot of research. We hired a research consultant and medical consultants and did site visits also. Taking all the research into account we wrote the story for season 2.
4. For how long did you work on the second season? What are some of the highlights that we can look forward to?
We worked on the second season for around 1.5 years including everything from writing to shoot. Some of the highlights would be Chitrakathi art performance and the end of episode 5. There is also an operation sequence which I personally really like.
5. What was the kind of research you did to create a series based on the medical industry in India?
We spoke to a lot of doctors and other medical professionals. We hired a researcher to go to a lot of hospitals and collect information. We also had medical consultants on the ground helping ya out.
6. You're now both a comedian and writer. Tell us about the experience in doing both? How challenging are the two fields, in terms of writing - shows and web series?
Comedian is a single person job. Making a show is teamwork. The processes are entirely different. All the credit for Laakhon Mein Ek goes to the cast and crew and their hard work.
7. Who are some of your influences/inspirations - both writers and comedians?
I like Stephen King, Tagore amongst writers. I like Brian Regan as a comedian.
8. How do you think online streaming platforms have helped creators deal with more experimental and new concepts?
Online platforms have given access and liberty for creators to create content that wasn’t previously possible. They are also expanding at a high rate, so it’s great for creators to reach out to a big audience.
9. What are some of the shows you've watched on Amazon Prime?
Comicstaan is my favourite.
10. You've had a few specials and a web series on the platform. Do tell us about your association with Amazon prime. How has the experience been?
The experience is very good and they have been supportive of all my creative decisions. It’s a great symbiotic relationship.