Rusty inspired from my interactions with Ruskin Bond: Dir

Subhadarshini Singh, who is directing the second installment of 'Ek Tha Rusty II', based on the stories of Ruskin Bond, says she added a lot of her own conversations with the prolific writer to shape up the main character.
The director-producer has previously made the first season of 'Ek Tha Rusty', in which Rusty's character is based on Ruskin Bond. Singh returned with the first part of season two in June last year and is now back with part two consisting of 52-episodes.
"I know Ruskin Bond so well that I can actually tell the hero, who plays Rusty in the show, not to do something because Ruskin wouldn't have done that way. Because I discuss the show and everything with him, I feel him sometimes there," Singh said, adding she is great friends with the author, who is always involved in the show's making.

Singh said Bond always gives suggestions and inputs for the show besides visiting the sets and he is happy with it.
"He is not involved in script writing but I inform him and keep him updated about everything I am doing. I ask for his suggestion, like if I want to change the name of a town or something else," Singh told PTI.
The show is set in 1960s and shot in Mussoorie. Besides his stories, it also showcases Bond's experiences in life.

"Period setting shows always have their own challenges- like to find a train of that era, or a tennis racket made of wood. I had problems getting these properties. It is never easy to go back to an old period," Singh said.

When asked why she thinks the show will click, as period-dramas are a risky genre, the director said, "It has already clicked. People loved the previous seasons. The feedback was very positive. So, I see no reason why they wouldn't like this one" she said.
Singh feels the shows on television are all mainly women-oriented, in which the female characters are unreal.
"My show has no villains, and all are natural, real characters. In fact it is the only male-oriented show, where nice good men pull the show forward," Singh added.
'Ek Tha Rusty II' Part 2 stars Bhanu Uday, Ayub Khan and Bond's granddaughter Shristi. It will air from July 10 on Doordarshan.