Entertainment

Scripting for animation series is different, you have to push your imagination, says Motu Patlu writer Niraj Vikram

Niraj Vikram, writer of Motu Patlu talked with APN News and shared how working in the animation industry is kinda different than scripting for live-action shows.

Published

4 years ago

June 23, 2022

Niraj Vikram is currently writing for Motu Patlu. He has 2-3 projects lined up including Pandavas for Pogo.

The animation industry in India has witnessed a considerable amount of growth in the last few years, especially the cartoon series. Some of the most popular animated cartoon series like Motu Patlu, Dabangg, and Gattu Battu have dominated the cartoon industry and notably, this industry has become the best medium of creative expression these days. Content preferences among kids have changed over the years.

While live-action television shows ruling the Indian entertainment industry for a long time, these animated series created a strong impression in recent years. The influence of animation is growing every day in India. But animating shows does not only mean good illustrations but also a captivating story and close attention to details.

We always chase people who are on camera but the real heroes are actually those who are behind the camera, who infatuate the viewers with their writing. And one such person is Niraj Vikram, the man behind the stories of India’s most popular animated show Motu Patlu, who works round the clock to connect with the kids to bring the best each time.

In a conversation with APN News, Neeraj Vikram shared how writing for animation shows is different from scripting for live-action shows.

Motu Patlu was already a popular franchise of Lotpot Comics and when we asked him how he felt when he was approached for this show, he said “I was really excited to write for Motu Patlu. Lotpot Comics is one of our favourite comics and we’ve grown up reading it. So, when I was approached for Motu Patlu, I was thrilled and ecstatic.”

Talking about the responsibility to maintain characters’ legacy, he said, “It’s very important to create the show without retouching the characters. Initially and even now I feel it’s a big responsibility as most of us have already read the comic and we feel connected to the characters. So, the first thing I keep in mind while writing for this show, is the characters’ style, habits and patterns.”

Niraj Vikram has also scripted for Shararat and Son Pari

Before scripting for Motu Patlu, Niraj Vikram had already scripted for big shows like Shararat, Shaka Laka Boom Boom, and Son Pari, and when we asked him how difficult was for him to shift from live-action shows to animation shows, he said, “Animation isn’t monotonous like live-action shows. You can stretch the animation to any level whereas in live-action shows it is a bit difficult to show your creativity as you have to write it according to the storyline. For me, it wasn’t really difficult as I always wanted to be in animation because it pushes your imagination”, he added.

One must write a motion script in accordance with the target audience, and a motion script writer requires a great deal of skill and dedication. Talking about this, he said, “There have been times when I write a certain script but it doesn’t turn out the same way I wanted it. I feel bad sometimes, but I don’t lose hope as I know that shows need to undergo certain production levels and there’s a limited-time delivery.

Niraj Vikram on Agnipath scheme

Niraj Vikram has also served in the Indian army for five years before entering the world of entertainment. We also asked him about the ongoing protests related to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, he said, “Government must have made the scheme after listing down its pros and cons. Instead of protesting, students need to give it a try. As the government has already said that if you don’t like the scheme, don’t join it. But I feel implementation is a must.”

Motu Patlu’s wax statue at Madame Tussauds

Talking about the achievements he is most proud of, he said “Having Motu Patlu’s wax statues at Madame Tussauds, New Delhi is literally the proudest moment as they are the first Indian animated character to have it installed at the wax museum. Other than this, Motu Patlu is completing its 10 years in October and has successfully completed 1,000 episodes.” He has also won the Best Writers Award in the Kids Choice Award in 2015 organized by Viacom 18.

Niraj is currently writing for Motu Patlu. He has 2-3 projects lined up including Pandavas for Pogo.

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Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.