Exclusive - Nivedita Basu talks about reinvention from saas-bahu sagas to OTT; says, 'Boldness works when it comes from conviction, not shock value'

Nivedita Basu

• Nivedita Basu discusses evolving storytelling across TV, OTT, and new industries
• She values creative challenge, emotional truth, and freedom in content creation
• Sports like squash help her stay grounded and motivated amid industry pressures

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In a media landscape that has undergone seismic shifts, from television to binge-driven OTT, from formulaic formats to fearless experimentation, Nivedita Basu stands out as a rare creative force who has consistently evolved with the times while staying rooted in emotional storytelling.

From shaping some of Indian television’s most recognisable family dramas to building unconventional digital ecosystems and now expanding into hospitality and healthcare, Nivedita’s journey reflects a restless creative spirit driven by reinvention.

In an exclusive conversation with MoneyControl, she opens up about why creative challenge, not comfort, now drives her choices; how emotional truth continues to anchor her storytelling even as formats change; and why today’s creators are finally operating in a space of conviction rather than permission. She also reflects on leadership, motherhood, burnout, and the discipline she has found through professional squash.

Exclusive excerpts from the interview:

You’ve often said that your work is your biggest source of happiness. What is it about the creative process that continues to excite you after so many years in the industry?

Creativity for me has always meant innovation and reinvention. Every phase of my career has been about breaking normalcy and doing something different, from television to films, from building unconventional OTT ecosystems to devotional digital content. What excites me is not repeating what has worked, but creating what doesn’t yet exist. The moment I stop evolving, the excitement fades.

As someone who has worked across television and digital platforms, what drives your choice of projects today? Is it instinct, audience demand, or the need to challenge yourself creatively?

At this stage, it’s the creative challenge. There was a time when audience demand dictated choices, and that phase was important. Today, if you truly believe in an idea, there are enough platforms to create it yourself. Creation now is about conviction, not permission.

Some of your shows like Kasturi became hugely popular with family audiences. What do you think made that era of daily soaps connect so deeply, and what has changed in today’s TV landscape?

That era worked because storytelling was rooted in emotion and patience. Families watched together, characters evolved over time, and viewers formed deep bonds. Today, attention spans are shorter and storytelling has to be sharper and more layered, but emotional truth remains the core.

Having worked closely with top production houses and networks, how do you balance creative instincts with TRP pressures and commercial realities?

Creativity and commerce have always coexisted. With experience, you learn where to push and where to adapt. The balance lies in knowing which compromises won’t dilute the soul of the story and which battles are worth fighting.

Do you feel today’s creators have more freedom compared to when you started out? How has that shift impacted your work?

Absolutely. When I started, television had strict boundaries. Today, creators have far more freedom in themes, formats, and voices, which has led to more honest and diverse storytelling.

You’ve spoken about how important family is to you. How do you strike a balance between demanding production schedules and personal time?

Balance is intentional. There are phases when work takes over and phases when family comes first. I try to be fully present wherever I am. That clarity keeps me grounded.

Has motherhood and family life influenced the kind of stories you want to tell on screen?

Motherhood hasn’t just changed the stories I want to tell, but the choices I want to make. It broadened my perspective and pushed me beyond content, from media into hospitality and now healthcare. Each transition opened new horizons and added a deeper sense of purpose and impact.

In an industry known for burnout, what helps you stay grounded and motivated?

I’ve always pursued sports, and today I play squash professionally. That’s my daily high. It grounds me, energises me, and motivates me to work better. I feel proud when I see myself not just as Nivedita Basu from the K-shows, but as Nivedita Basu on the squash court, with rankings and discipline to show for it. I genuinely believe every human being should pursue some form of sport; it teaches resilience, focus, and balance like nothing else.

With the rise of OTT and niche content platforms, how do you see the future of Indian television and digital storytelling?

Indian storytelling is only getting better. We’re no longer restricted by rigid formats or numbers. Television and digital will coexist, mass storytelling alongside niche, experimental content. Today, creators can build anything they believe in, and that freedom is exciting.

Do you think audiences today are more open to unconventional narratives and bold themes?

Yes, absolutely. When I started doing bold content, many people said, “Oh, you’re Nivedita from the saas-bahu shows. How are you doing this?” That reaction itself showed how perceptions work. Creating an entirely new space proved there was a huge, untapped market for honest, fearless storytelling. Audiences today want authenticity; boldness works when it comes from conviction, not shock value.

What kind of content do you believe is currently underserved in the Indian entertainment space?

Emotionally layered narratives, especially women-led stories beyond stereotypes, remain underserved. Stories of reinvention, transition, and inner conflict still deserve far more space.

As a woman leading projects and production teams, what challenges have you faced and how have they shaped your leadership style?

It’s interesting that even today, people sometimes tell me, “Oh, Nivedita Basu, we heard you were a tough taskmaster, very intimidating.” And once they actually work with me, they often say, “I wonder why we had that impression.” When you’re leading teams of a hundred people on every show and handling 15–18 shows at a time, you do need to be firm and decisive. A certain amount of sternness comes with responsibility. But I’ve always believed leadership is about balance, being strong and clear, yet fair and empathetic. Respect doesn’t come from fear; it comes from consistency and intent.

What kind of projects excite you the most right now?

After working on edgy platforms and creating bold stories with intent and elegance, what excites me today is doing something different again, finding the next niche and building something distinctive. Discovery excites me more than repetition.

If you were to reboot or reimagine one of your earlier TV projects for today’s OTT audience, which one would it be and why?

For television, it would be Kehna Hai Kuch Mujhko, which was emotionally ahead of its time. Creatively, I was closely associated with 24, and I genuinely feel it would land perfectly in today’s OTT, binge-driven ecosystem. Sometimes a concept just waits for the right time.

Looking ahead, what does creative success mean to you at this stage of your career?

Creative success now means honesty. Telling stories I believe in, working with people I respect, and creating impact... Numbers matter, but longevity, purpose, and inner satisfaction matter more.