Arshad Warsi on making a comeback on TV

My promo video shows me chatting with the show’s mascot, Brian the Brain. The format of the show does not require a host per se, as it  is presented like an optical illusion, and gives you an insight about how one’s brain functions. We are most of the times convinced we know what is happening, but somewhere down the line your perception changes when you are presented with forensic evidence and facts. The show is extremely informative and mentally enriching where science is presented in an entertaining fashion.

My last significant outing on TV was when I hosted the first season of Big Boss in 2006. That was a different time altogether, and I found the concept of the show interesting. I wanted to see if I could host a show and from people’s feedback I think I did alright. It was a difficult show to host. You have to be in it, but still not be involved. You make your comments but at the same time you cannot be so strong that you end up influencing other people’s judgements. But for the sake of entertainment, the show has now reached another level.

Personally, I like such shows, which are based on scientific facts. I used to follow a show online which was based on optical illusion. What was really fascinating about the show was that it showed an entire magic trick using a pack of cards. The lady performs who is performing the trick asks a guy to pick out a card. She then inserts it back into the deck and shuffles the cards, carefully picking out the same card he had selected. The voiceover asks the viewer whether they actually saw the trick? Then they reveal how the trick was pulled off using a series of deceptive camera tricks. The eyes do not notice this because we are focused on the pack of cards. I like shows such as Banged up Abroad, Man Vs Wild, which involve significant scientific research presented in an entertaining fashion.

Though people might not associate me with scientific programmes because of my on-screen image, but the channel producers realised that intelligence needs to be presented in a humorous manner. Frankly, I don’t like what I see on TV now. I cannot watch soap operas and family dramas. I find them extremely boring. And I will not host a sub-standard show unless I am given a lot of money. Honestly I have a tremendous fear of doing TV shows or even giving an interview on television. I get very nervous.