Tara Sharma Saluja has acted in movies like ‘Page 3’, ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’ and ‘Masti’, and after two successful seasons of ‘The Tara Sharma Show – Ek Nayi Ma Ka Safar’ she has garnered great publicity. The ‘mompreneur’ is on cloud nine with her talk show all set to go global. Excerpts from a Q&A with Tara:
‘The Tara Sharma show’ has grabbed the attention of an international audience. How do you feel?
I am grateful and really touched by the wonderful response from people around the world. I was in Los Angeles recently and there had several meetings with leading film and TV companies about making the show global. The themes we address are universal and the language is English, and that is what has grabbed the attention of major players in the segment. We are really pleased by their nice gestures whether relating to licensing our format, or helping us receive global guests. Hope everything works out well.
How did you conceptualise such a unique show?
Soon after I became a mother I realised I loved my new role, but I also wanted to carry on my work. To be honest, I was not a big star and I was not getting good scripts. TV offers poured in but I did not want to leave my kids alone. At that moment I realised I had to handle family and work at the same time devoting equal attention to both. My dad, Partap Sharma, is a well-known author and playwright and was called the ‘Golden Voice of India’. He passed away four years ago but in many ways I believe he is always with us, thanks to the wonderful things he has taught us. He used to tell me: ‘Never wait for the phone to ring with an offer. If you want to do something, create it. Always reinvent yourself. Never stagnate.’ His advice spurred me to start my own show. I had seen cooking, carpentry – all kinds of shows, but had never seen an honest, maybe funny, and helpful show on how to give a baby a thorough bath, or clean their potty or carry them in a plane. I decided to be part of such a show. I was not an expert so I knew the tone of the show. It had to be non-patronising and I had to encourage others to narrate the happy and sad moments of their lives so that viewers could relate to their experiences. My husband Roopak had recently started his media company, The 120 Media Collective, and said he would co-produce the show if I could figure out how to go about it. So I started getting sponsors and channels and that is how season 1 happened. He wanted the show to run on multiple platforms instead of just TV.
What are the special features of your show that have made it so popular?
I think the format is unique. With a mix of celebrity and non-celebrity guests and features, I think we share many perspectives on relevant themes in the family and parenting space. This unique feature makes our show different and hopefully attracts viewers.
Do episodes in which celebrities are hosted boost the show’s TRP?
All guests, including celebrities, have been very kind to come to my show. Yes, the presence of celebs has definitely helped us grab eyeballs, but I believe all guests pour their heart out in the show and the passion and emotional content earn us viewership. Mine is not a ‘mirch masala’ show. There is no gossip, no awkward questions are asked, and I am willing to sacrifice viewership rather than embrace these features present in all mainstream shows. I feel credibility and trust in the family and parenting space is essential which our show has earned. When it comes to TRPs, the show may have a long way to go. I love gossipy and light-hearted shows too, but my show is more an issue-based wholesome family show with a view to offering valuable tips to viewers.
You were a mainstream actor. How difficult was it to switch to a new career?
I love acting and if great roles come my way I would love to do them. But I have a taste of creating my own content and owning it. I have to admit I love what I do. Before I came to acting, I worked with Accenture in London, and did my BSc in management from the London School of Economics. Previously, I had bagged a scholarship and attended UWC in Italy. I was a real nerd – I got the highest in my school, Bombay International, in ICSE. I was always interested in academics and business and the show that I create, write, co-produce, and host has given me the chance to combine my passions of being on screen, into business and with my family. I am as comfortable in front of the camera as in a boardroom pitching my show to sponsors. Hopefully, I am good at both.
What was the response you received after the first episode? Were you nervous?
All our episodes have elicited great response.
How have your parents supported you in your journey so far?
My parents have been extremely supportive and I am grateful to them as they have taught me everything I know. I owe my talents and interest in communication to them. Dad used to be known as a communication guru. My mom, Sue Sharma, is British and I have grown up in a global and liberal atmosphere at home. I believe my mom has shaped my habits of never judging anyone and the principle of each to their own.
As a wife, mother and TV host, how do you manage to handle so much with such ease?
I created the show as a means to focus on my family and work. A lot of my work happens from home and the kids often come on the set when I shoot. This has made it easier for me to combine family and work. As always, each to their own: not everyone would like to do this. Some prefer going to an office every day and coming home to their kids. My schedule is often very hectic but my kids are supportive as is my husband. And my Mum who lives in the same building is of great help when I am busy with shooting.
Any plans of making a comeback in films?
If good roles come my way I will definitely give it a thought. But the show will always be my priority and my biggest priority is my family.
Would you offer some parenting tips to first-time mothers?
I always say I am not an expert… just a regular mom who is always learning and so I don’t like to sound preachy and give tips. I want people to share their stories and views on the show. There are ups and downs in life, but having a positive attitude and enjoying life is vital.
Shabiha Nur Khatoon
