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For over two decades, Sonnal A Kakar has been a driving force in Indian television, crafting stories behind the scenes. Now, with her debut as a producer for Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile on Zee TV, she takes center stage to bring a compelling narrative rooted…Read More
Sonnal A Kakar steps into the spotlight as the producer of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, a Zee TV drama delving into the complexities of relationships, love, and resilience.
For over two decades, Sonnal Kakar has been a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in Indian television, shaping the content we’ve loved and lived through her leadership roles in channel management. But this November, she steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight as the producer of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, a fresh addition to Zee TV’s legacy of storytelling. Airing since November 11th, the show delves into the complexities of relationships and human emotions with a distinctive flair, promising to tug at your heartstrings and challenge your perceptions.
Why did Sonnal choose this story for her production debut? How does her collaboration with Goldie Behl mark a new era in family-centric entertainment? And what’s her secret to consistently connecting with audiences across generations? News18 Showsha sat down with Sonnal Kakar to uncover the magic, the vision, and the story behind her leap from channel visionary to creative trailblazer. Get ready to meet the woman redefining what it means to create timeless TV.
Here are the excerpts:
What inspired you to create Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile as your debut project as a producer?
I was drawn to the idea of telling a story that hadn’t been explored before, one rooted in the lesser known Aata Saata tradition. At its heart, Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile is about two strong protagonists, Reet and Raghav, whose transactional marriage evolves into a journey of transformation. Reet, an investigative journalist, is a character I envisioned as embodying strength, compassion, and vulnerability. She’s not just a dutiful sister who shoulders her family’s responsibilities, but also a woman with her own voice and convictions. This balance of strength and emotion mirrors my belief in storytelling that upholds value systems while exploring deep emotional connections, not just romantic love, but love that extends to family and siblings. This project is my attempt to weave a narrative that highlights these complexities and delivers a fresh, impactful perspective.
The show explores unique takes on relationships and human emotions. Can you elaborate on what sets its storyline apart from other family-centric dramas?
Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile stands apart because it goes beyond the conventional romantic narrative. While the evolving bond between Reet and Raghav is central, the show equally emphasizes the love and sacrifices within sibling relationships. Raghav for Unnati and Reet for Dhruv. It also delves into how a woman like Reet navigates her dual responsibilities toward her maika and sasural while staying true to her principles as an investigative journalist. Justice isn’t just a professional pursuit for Reet ; it’s deeply personal, and her empathy drives her to fight for the voiceless, no matter how big or small their battles. This multifaceted portrayal of love, duty, and resilience resonates beyond the typical, creating a rich emotional tapestry that audiences can relate to on many levels.
What message or emotions do you hope viewers will take away from Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile?
The show is ultimately about the unplanned connections and moments that shape our lives. I hope viewers feel a sense of hope, warmth, and belief in the beauty of unexpected relationships. At its core, the story is about human resilience, love, and finding meaning in the journeys we don’t anticipate. I want the audience to walk away inspired and connected to the characters’ emotions and struggles.
How does the show align with Zee TV’s commitment to high-quality, audience-driven storytelling?
Zee TV has always been synonymous with content that celebrates family values, and Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile seamlessly aligns with this legacy. The show not only explores familial bonds but also addresses the Aata Saata tradition, blending traditional values with contemporary sensibilities. Reet’s character embodies today’s empowered woman standing firm for justice, challenging societal norms, and striving to make a difference. The narrative beautifully intertwines themes of sibling love, familial responsibilities, and societal transformation, making it a perfect addition to Zee TV’s repertoire of impactful, family centric stories.
What were some of the challenges you faced while producing Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing creative storytelling with production realities is always a delicate act, but it’s one I deeply enjoy. For me, the scale of production, whether it’s the grandeur of sets, an outdoor shoot, or a star studded cast is secondary to the story itself. A well written story that resonates with the audience will always have the strongest impact. That’s why I focused on crafting a narrative with conviction and assembling an ensemble cast that feels fresh and relatable. While some members are seasoned, many are newcomers or semi known faces, which adds an element of authenticity to the show. The key is striking the right chord ensuring that the creative vision translates seamlessly onto the screen, regardless of budget or scale. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about delivering a story that connects with viewers on an emotional level.
What drew you to Zee TV as the platform for your debut production? Why did you choose this particular story as your first production? What about it resonated with you on a personal or professional level?
Zee TV has always been synonymous with storytelling that strikes a chord with Indian families, and having been part of the channel’s legacy, I knew it was the perfect home for my debut production. This story resonated with me deeply because of its relatability and emotional depth. It’s about love, sacrifice, and relationships, which are universal themes that audiences connect with. Personally, it felt like a story worth telling, and professionally, it provided an opportunity to combine my experiences with a fresh narrative perspective.
You’ve had a two-decade-long career in the television industry. How did your experience in channel management shape your vision as a producer?
Transitioning to a producer has been both exciting and eye opening. Having spent 20 years in the industry, stepping into this role allowed me to create stories I believe in, with characters that feel authentic and relatable. Post pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift in audience preferences, they now gravitate toward content that feels real, empowering, and emotionally resonant. Across mediums like OTT, YouTube, and television, the focus has moved from high drama to stories that connect with the viewers on a personal level. As a producer, there’s a heightened responsibility to strike the right chord with audiences, ensuring that the narrative not only entertains but also engages deeply with their evolving expectations.
How has your time at Zee TV influenced your understanding of what Indian audiences want in terms of content?
My time at Zee TV taught me that Indian audiences value stories that are deeply rooted in emotion and culture while also offering a sense of escape and entertainment. Audiences are drawn to authenticity, relatability, and characters they can root for. This understanding has shaped my approach to creating content that strikes a balance between being impactful and engaging.
Having worked on the programming side for so long, how does it feel to step into the role of a producer? What new perspectives has this shift given you?
Stepping into the role of a producer has been incredibly rewarding and eye-opening. It’s a completely different level of responsibility where you’re involved in every aspect, from storytelling to execution. It has given me a deeper appreciation for the creative process and the challenges of bringing a vision to life. The shift has also allowed me to bring a more holistic perspective, balancing creative ambition with logistical realities.
What lessons from your leadership roles at Zee TV have you applied to your work as a producer?
The biggest lesson I’ve carried forward is the importance of team work. Creating a successful show is a team effort, and every individual’s contribution is vital. I’ve also learned the value of staying connected to the audience’s pulse and being adaptable to changing preferences while maintaining the integrity of the story.
What’s your approach to balancing creativity with commercial appeal in television production?
Balancing creativity with commercial appeal is about understanding the audience’s preferences while staying true to the story. I believe in creating content that is both emotionally resonant and entertaining, ensuring that while the story engages, it also appeals to a broad demographic. It’s a fine line, but one that can be achieved with the right mix of innovation and relatability.
As a producer, how do you ensure the cast and crew align with the vision of the story?
Communication is key. From the very beginning, I ensure that everyone involved understands the story’s essence and what we’re trying to convey. I believe in fostering an environment where collaboration and shared vision are encouraged, which helps align everyone with the narrative and its goals.
What innovations or trends in Indian television are you most excited about, and how does Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile reflect these changes? Do you feel television is slowly losing its charm due to the advent of OTT platforms?
I’m excited to see how Indian television is embracing fresh storytelling formats and experimenting with stronger, layered characters. Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile reflects these trends by tackling unique themes like aata-saata marriages while keeping the narrative rooted in human emotions. While OTT has expanded the scope of content, television still holds its charm as it creates a sense of community and tradition for families. Both mediums serve different purposes and can coexist beautifully.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your journey as a producer so far? How has your transition to producer reshaped your personal or professional goals for the future?
The most rewarding moment has been seeing the audience connect with the story and characters. It’s a validation of all the hard work that goes into production. This journey has reshaped my goals by pushing me to think bigger and be more innovative while staying rooted in the storytelling ethos I believe in.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline? What genres or stories are you most excited to explore next?
Yes, there are a few exciting projects in the works, spanning different genres. I’m particularly interested in exploring stories that are socially relevant while still being entertaining. Whether it’s family dramas, thrillers, romance etc, my focus is on creating narratives that leave a lasting impact.
Where do you see yourself contributing to the evolution of Indian television in the next five years?
I see myself playing a part in pushing the boundaries of storytelling, bringing fresh perspectives to Indian television while staying true to its emotional roots. My goal is to introduce narratives that reflect the changing dynamics of our society and to collaborate with talents who can bring new energy to the medium. I hope to contribute to a television landscape that is more diverse, inclusive, and creatively fulfilling.