Sahana Dutta is known for penning some of the most gripping stories of Bengali television. Her shows like, ‘Bhutu’, ‘Goyenda Ginni’, ‘Amloki’, ‘Jai Kali Kalkattawali’ have won a million hearts with their compelling and intriguing storytelling.

“I have always tried to narrate different stories. Be it Bhutu or Jai Kali Kalkattawali, each story is different from the other. In some projects, we have tasted success whereas some didn’t work at all. We have taken the risk and its worth it,” states the talented writer and creative head of a popular production house at a recent event.

Her new project ‘Nishir Dak’ will premiere on December 3. While the concept of Nishi has been explored in Bengali literature, it isn’t much touched upon on Bengali television. Nishir Dak is a very common paranormal belief in West Bengal, according to which Nishi, the evil spirit, lures its victims into danger by calling them in a familiar voice. So, it isn’t wise to respond if someone calls them in the middle of the night as it might be Nishi.

When she was quizzed whether such storyline would appeal to the youth in the age of sci-fi, she said, “There is always a battle between belief and disbelief. And there lies the thrill. For instance, if you are watching Conjuring, you know that ghosts don’t exist. Yet you wait for the ghost to appear on the screen.”

When she was asked about ghosts, witty Sahana said, “I am not afraid of ghosts. And I am certainly not afraid of TRPs either!”
Recommended By Colombia She promises ‘Nishir Dak’ to be an interesting story never told before and also explains that it indeed is a suspense drama.

Keeping the youth of 2018 in mind, Sahana has created the character Rudra for ‘Nishir Dak’, who thinks scientifically and doesn’t believe any kind of ‘bad omen’ or ‘tantra-mantra’. Similarly, she created the characters ‘Nishi’ (an evil power), Shreemoye (a loving mother who adopts Tara) and little Tara, who is blessed by Maa Kali.

Interestingly, Sahana doesn’t believe in god and ghosts. But when it comes to penning a story or visualising a treatment, she embraces any belief. “I don’t believe in god. Neither do I believe in ghosts. But when I am penning a devotional script, I do believe in God and omens, otherwise you can’t create something.”