Power capers

The reality show that changed the face of reality on television in India had on its judge panel a surprise entry last season.

The reality show that changed the face of reality on television in India had on its judge panel a surprise entry last season. When Sonali Bendre was announced as one of the four judges on Indian Idol Javed Akhtar,Kailash Kher and Annu Malik being the other three a wave of skepticism greeted her. An actress,without any experience in the music industry,by no means looked like a person in whose hands the power to decide the fate of budding singers should rest. But a week into the show,and the audiences were convinced,at least about her capability to take on Malik,the popular tyrant on the show. And this is what has probably brought her back on television,this time on Colors Indias Got Talent,as a judge.

I think the reason people accepted me was because I am the layman who represented them,placed in the position of power. After all,its the layman who finally decides who wins the show. And this is precisely what will hopefully make people appreciate my efforts in Indias Got Talent as well, says the 35-year-old actress in her trademark bubbly manner.

Incidentally,the creators of both concepts are the same producer and renowned American Idol judge Simon Cowells production house SiCo,even though the channels differ. It helped that I had worked with the company before. When I was first offered

Indias Got Talent,I was sure of their credibility and honesty towards the format. This prompted me to accept the proposal sooner than I would otherwise have. I actually wrapped up the deal in 10 days of hearing from them.

The Sarfarosh actress has immense confidence in this new show though it premiers in its first season this month. She feels that since they will be combing India for talent,what will come forth will be a catalogue of art forms in multiple genres dance,drama,singing,mimicry that will be intrinsically Indian. And many of which they may not have even come across till then. It will be educational and entertaining at the same time.

However,Bendre accepts that her job here would be much tougher than it was in her debut venture. Talent here can take any shape and form which is what adds the diversity to Indias Got Talent,and sets it apart from all other shows. At the same time,it rests a huge responsibility on our shoulders. I am therefore glad that I will have,as colleagues

Kirron Kher and Shekhar Kapur,names to reckon with in India as well as all over the world.

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Having donned the judges cap the second time with Indias Got Talent,is this yummy mummy looking at a full-time career in television? She instantly dismisses the suggestion. Im taking things as they come. I cant say whether Ill be doing more of this but I know for sure that I wont be doing run-of-the-mill television.

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