Even my security guard has the right to address me with my first name - Ajay Bhalwankar

Ajay Bhalwankar’s decision of moving out from the post of Content Head (Hindi GECs) ZEEL came as a shocker to one and all a few days back. However, his presence at the press conference of DID Li’l Masters Season 3 came as a surprise too. Hence, we asked the man if he was serving his notice period to which he averred, “It’s nothing like that, but I am not moving out that soon.” We also went on to tell him that there were rumours of him taking a break post his exit from Zee TV. Clarifying the same he stated, “I have no such plans. People are making plans for me. I think breaks are only given on TV. There are no commercial breaks for me.” What about the news of you joining another channel (Colors)? “These are pure speculations,” he quipped. Moving out of a place that you’ve been associated for more than 20 years is not easy. And this could clearly be observed when Ajay talked about Zee… “I started with Zee TV in 1992 and it was my second job. I was a journalist before I joined Zee. The channel started on 2nd October 1992 but when TV began nobody knew this would be a profession. In fact, people warned me against Zee as they believed that it would die in front of Doordarshan. But, it’s still here and for me Zee TV is like a home. Everybody who works in the Zee building is my friend. Even my security guard has the right to address me with my first name. In fact, I get offended when people call me sir. All I can say is that the buildings have changed, but it’s still the same Ajay Bhalwankar.” Were the initial few days tough for you just the way they are for most newcomers? “While I worked as a journalist I was my own master but when I joined Zee there was too much to take care of. I had to co-ordinate with cameramen, spots boy and so many other people. I must admit that the first six months frustrated me.” Would you like to talk about the opportunities that knocked at your door then? “I have lived in the moment for the moment. So I won’t talk about why I decline. This time this is the right decision.” Expectations from DID? “Lots of expectations! I don’t think I am leaving so soon. So this show will have to be number one in non-fiction.” Do you too plan to come up with a Comedy show post Bh Se Bhade? “I feel Kapil’s show is brilliant innovation while the rest are replicas of it. Once you do something people follow. So many talent hunts started after DID, but DID is DID. We don’t need to copy anyone. We believe in creating things,” he ended. Way to go, Ajay!