The legacy of Indian television and film production giant Sagar Pictures Entertainment is steeped in the historical depiction of Hindu mythology, with iconic shows like Ramayan shaping a generation. However, the narrative doesn’t end there. The Sagar empire’s influence continues to evolve, thanks to the efforts of the younger generation, who are redefining the family’s filmmaking tradition. CEO Akash Sagar, grandchild of the legendary Ramanand Sagar, opened up about his personal growth in the industry and the trajectory of the production house in a candid chat with DNA.
Raised amid the buzz of production sets of the eminent show Shree Krishna, Akash’s childhood fascination with filmmaking burgeoned into a life-long vocation. He reminisces about his youthful escapades around the green screens and makeup rooms that laid the foundation for his career in the arts. Under the mentorship of his grandfather and father, Akash broadened his horizons by assisting them in various shows. Recounting his foray into the world of filmmaking, Akash shared the story of his first official gig, “My first paid job was as a junior artiste in Shree Krishna, earning me Rs 150 and an ice cream. That marked the beginning for us – for my brother and me.”
The pursuit of film production was no stranger to Sagar Pictures Entertainment, an ambition furthered by Akash’s brother Amrit Sagar with the film ‘1971.’ Keen to contribute, Akash discovered his affinity for music at a young age. His teenage years saw him form a rock band, which became a stepping stone to composing background scores for television shows at just 16 years old, a talent he nurtured even while in college, albeit at the expense of his attendance.
Akash’s artistic repertoire expanded as he ventured into theatre, honing his skills for over three years under the guidance of esteemed veteran Chittaranjan Giri and founding his own theatre group. Such pursuit of knowledge was critical to his philosophy on storytelling. “You can’t work in Hindi films or Hindi entertainment if you don’t know the Hindi language and literature,” Akash asserts, attributing his comprehension of culture and storytelling to this period of intensive study.
In 2008, Akash assumed a significant role within the family business, overseeing Sagar Pictures Entertainment’s film production division. As a producer, he has overseen both fiction and non-fiction television content and even stepped in front of the camera for works such as ‘Rabba Main Kya Karoon’ and ‘Mr Lieutenant Radio.’ Despite his multifaceted roles, Akash admits to an insatiable urge to delve into the world of non-fiction storytelling. This appetite culminated in ‘Walking With M,’ a docu-drama that tracks the 7500-km odyssey of Sri M. Emphasizing the story above all else, Akash declares, “The idea is simple: to tell good stories. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, the genre is irrelevant if the narrative is conveyed with sincerity. That’s what yields accolades.”
Vibrant storytelling has come to define the modern ethos of Sagar Pictures Entertainment, ensuring that while the company’s past is honored, its future is crafted with an openness to innovation and authenticity. As they continue to build upon a storied legacy, their content—rich in cultural depth and crafted with honesty—promises to keep audiences captivated.
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