The Ritz Herald
Shivan Giri

In an Exclusive Interview, The Ritz Herald Sat Down With Bollywood Film and Television Producer Shivan Giri to Talk About Making the TV Series, ‘Abs of Steel’


Published on March 09, 2023

Shivan Giri is a filmmaker raised in Mumbai, a city known for its vibrant film industry and culture. The city ignited his passion for filmmaking and fueled his desire to become a producer and tell his own stories.

Shivan’s motivation as a filmmaker is to create authentic stories and establish a brand through unique storytelling. He has experience in various forms of media, including feature films, web series, commercials, and music videos. One of the highlights of Shivan’s career was working with the director of “Cobra Kai” and “Arrow” on a proof-of-concept titled “Fracture”. He has also won multiple awards for his short film “Abs of Steel,” which has had a successful festival run.

Shivan’s focus as a filmmaker is to bring to life thought-provoking and inspiring stories that resonate with audiences and evoke emotions. He strives to create meaningful and memorable cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impact.

As a television producer and showrunner, Shivan is more than just a producer. His talent for bringing TV shows to life is only one part of the equation. These shows must be seen once created, and Shivan has a gift for ensuring they reach their intended audience.

What’s involved in being a television producer and showrunner for “Abs of Steel.”

As a television producer, I am responsible for the project’s overall creation, from budgets to the final shot down the lens, but then it needs to be seen. That’s the showrunner. They run the show to networks or streaming platforms so the public can watch it at home. I am excited to share that we are currently in discussions with a major streaming platform for the release of our show in March 2024. I believe that this partnership will help us reach a wider audience and provide the resources we need to bring our vision to life. Additionally, I will continue to oversee the production process and work closely with our team to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I am thrilled about the future of this project and cannot wait to share it with the world.

Can you tell us about the TV show?

“Abs of Steel” is my new television series that centers around an overweight real estate agent who faces rejection from his crush because of his weight. The show follows the protagonist as he embarks on a journey to lose weight, navigating various challenges in his work, love life, and spirituality. Through each episode, viewers will explore different themes in the protagonist’s life, such as mental health, priorities, lust, and more. The series aims to highlight how societal pressures can impact our life goals and help viewers reflect on what true success means to them. We are thrilled to be filming the project in Mumbai, India, in June 2023, and plan to release eight episodes by December 2023. We believe this unique and inspiring story will resonate with audiences and cannot wait to share it with the world.

How did the story come about?

The inspiration for my script came largely from my personal experiences with being overweight and my motivation to lose weight being driven by the need for acceptance from others. However, I found that my motivation would wane after a short period of working out, leading me to realize that I needed to prioritize my overall health and well-being as the primary motivation for my weight loss journey. This shift in mindset helped me achieve lasting results and positively impact my health.

Additionally, I recognized the significant impact of emotional health and stress on our lives. They can profoundly affect our relationships and decision-making abilities, either positively or negatively. These insights were the driving force behind my script, and my hope is that my personal experiences can inspire others to prioritize their well-being and start their own journey towards a healthier and happier life. In essence, the script is a reflection of my personal journey, and I hope that it can inspire and motivate others to take control of their health and well-being.

Who is involved?

We are excited to announce that Blue Sea International, a Dubai-based real estate firm, has partnered with our production company, Cheat Meal Production, as investors for our upcoming project. To ensure the highest production quality, we have roped in the expertise of ace cinematographer Pranav Mulay and experienced director Sharan Gupta, who have received training in Hollywood. Furthermore, we are thrilled to confirm that an A-lister actor has agreed to be part of our project, and we cannot wait to reveal their name to the public. We will keep everyone updated on any further developments and progress as we continue to move forward with this exciting endeavor.

In an ideal world, who would you want to cast?

If given the opportunity, I would love to cast Jonah Hill as the main protagonist in my project. His versatility, comic timing, and physical features make him an excellent fit for the character. I believe that he would be able to bring a unique energy and perspective to the role, and having the budget to bring him on board would be an exciting prospect for me!

Anything else you can tell us?

I have been working tirelessly to turn my project into a reality, and one surprising fact is that I have not watched any shows or films in the last six months. My complete focus has been on bringing my own project to life since the idea first came to me. I have been dedicating all my energy and time to making it happen, and it has been an exciting journey thus far. I hope this insight gives you a glimpse into my dedication to my craft and the passion that propels me forward.

How can people find and follow your journey?

Thank you so much! My Instagram is @shivangiri, and my IMDb is Shivan Giri.

Lifestyle Editor