Interview: Writer Sanjeev K Jha’s journey from Bihar to Mumbai via Jamia to make ‘Jabariya Jodi’

Siddharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra’s film ‘Jabariya Jodi’ has been released. It’s one of the most awaited films of people because Parineeti and Siddharth will be seen sharing screen together for the second time. Earlier, Siddharth and Parineeti have appeared in the film ‘Hansi To Fansi’. The songs of the film are already a hit. The film ‘Jabariya Jodi’ is based on the kidnapping of grooms for forced marriage in Bihar.

The film’s writer, Sanjeev K Jha, a 30-year-old film enthusiast, belongs to Bihar and also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia, is making his debut with this film. Sanjeev K Jha shared his thoughts and his journey with Aapka Times in a interview with Chandni Mishra.

Tell us about your journey from Bihar to Mumbai ?
I did my schooling in Bihar and then came to Delhi for bachelors. I shifted to Mumbai in 2011 to start my journey.
I am just starting Bollywood’s journey. I started writing in a production house in Mumbai. I also used to write for some of the shows there. There were one such two films which were written but could not be made or were made earlier by someone else. I Wanted to do many things, could not do it. Literature wanted to adapt, but sometimes an actor did not like literature. Then I started writing commercial films because it is the most powerful medium to reach people.

How was Jamia’s experience for you and how did it help you to be a Writer ?
I did my bachelors from Jamia Milia Islamia in Hindi literature. I met a lot of people of mass communication and interacted with them. I feel, Environment creates you. You gel well with like minded people most of the times because by interacting with them you also get to explore various fields and that really helped me in writing.

How did you think of a story like ‘Jabariya Jodi’ ? Is this story inspired by any real life characters?
The idea always comes from around. I am originally from Motihari in Bihar, so many such incidents have happened around me. I have seen many such weddings. So I used to think what to write many times. Such marriages have been happening in many districts of Bihar, especially in Begusarai. So got inspired to write from there only. I have tried to get people exposed to characters like Abhay and Babli. Have tried to show reality completely.

Your grandfather, Ramesh Chandra Jha has been a renowned poet, novelist and freedom fighter of his times, Do you think family background has helped you to make a choice in career ?
Yes ,it does help as it forms a base and you just have to connect dots to start your own journey. My father was a journalist and my grand father was a poet so I learnt “Sabdo se Mohabbat” by them. I have seen my father going to field and to do live reporting of the real life stories so even their experiences has helped me a lot.

Are you happy with the response ‘Jabariya Jodi’ has got from audience ?
Sanjeev : I am happy with the response ‘Jabariya Jodi’ has got from audience because it has got mixed response and I am happy with the response because it is my debut film. First film is always close to our heart just like our first relationship.

What other projects you are working on currently ?
I have recently done a digital film Barot House which is a dark, gripping story inspired by true events. It is a thriller story as I wanted to explore another style of writing as well.

We wish Sanjeev K Jha all the best for his future projects. We wish all the best to the team of ‘Jabariya Jodi’ and want them to get all the success on box office.

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