SONY TELEVISION NETWORKS – RESEARCH HEAD, NON-FICTION SERIES

Behind The Magic: Hindi Cinema’s Untold Stories

Research Head: Non-Fiction

Behind some of the most landmark and beloved Hindi films lie incredible, unheard stories of grit, determination, friendship, love, and the spirit of creativity.

Raina Beeti Jaye – Jashn (Sony MIX) and Lights Camera Kissey (Sony MAX2) are two non-fiction shows dedicated to unearthing such stories—revealing anecdotes and lesser-known moments behind the making of iconic songs, films, and the people who brought them to life.

Sanjay joined the team as a freelance researcher but soon took on the larger responsibility of leading a passionate research team of 10–12 members. The role demanded a rigorous editorial and archival process—digging through national libraries, rare film literature, and vintage film magazines.

Produced by Story People for Sony Television Networks, these shows involved in-depth research across 300+ films and the life journeys of over 100 legendary artists—directors, lyricists, composers, singers, and actors—covering cinema from the 1950s to the early 2000s.

The journey took the team to places like the National Film Archive of India in Pune and the V. Shantaram Research Library in Mumbai, along with interviews with film journalists and critics of the era, including Rauf Ahmed. What emerged weren’t just facts but lived fragments of cinematic history—intimate, intricate, and often previously unheard. From Lata Mangeshkar getting her first break as a playback singer to the genesis of the legendary dialogue “Mogambo Khush Hua” in Mr. India, each episode didn’t just revisit the past—it revealed the heart behind the art.

It’s heartening to know that uncovering these stories has quietly enriched Hindi film literature, making it more accessible and engaging for film lovers everywhere.

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