Channel surf/ Talent huntress

The first thing that attracted me towards doing the show was the thought that I will get to interact with the youth — we have to go to different cities, where all the college kids come together at one big university, and showcase their talent. It involves zonal level competition and finals, which will take place in Delhi. The kind of talent there is out there is amazing. It’s very interesting to meet the future of tomorrow. Going to the campus is a different feeling altogether — the classrooms and their canteens made me reminisce about my college days. Besides, television is big these days. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to do something on TV that interests me, and when the offer came my way, I thought why not!

When will the show go on air?

We’re half-way through. It should air somewhere in March or April. I have to be all grungy and cool. I have MTV veejays like Bani, Hozey travelling with me to different cities. Nikhil Chinapa will be co-judging the show along with me.

So, you believe television helps connect to a wider audience?
I’ve always believed in the power of television; its reach extends to the interiors and regional zones. I experienced this when I judged a show Marathi Paaul Padte Pudhe on Zee Marathi. Some people in Maharashtra knew me more because of that show, than any of my films like Fashion or All The Best. Actors like Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan have been in the industry for years, so they have a different fan following, but newbies like us have to figure out how we can reach out to our audiences. Some people degrade the medium by saying that you don’t have work in films, that’s why you’re doing television, but I feel that all actors will eventually do television at some level. So, on my level, I’m doing this show on MTV, on Salman’s level, he’s doing a show like Bigg Boss. Television is an added avenue to earn money, connect with your audiences and have fun! It keeps you going as an artiste.

Is it tough to be a judge on a talent show?

It’s difficult, because there’s nobody to guide you. Your real personality comes to the fore, and you can’t afford to have mood swings. You have to be yourself. As a judge, I’m sweet because I am myself a product of competitions like Miss India and Gladrags, and I know how it feels when you’re standing on the stage, waiting for the judges to give their verdict about you. But I don’t hesitate to state the truth as well; however I believe, there’s always a nicer way to do that.

Are you open to hosting a show on television?

Hosting is not my cup of tea, because I’m not a very talkative person. But if there’s some show on TLC, or a cool show on travel or adventure, I’d love to do that. I love adventure.

What are the other kind of offers that you’re open to doing on television?

Our fictional stories are very saas-bahu types, so I don’t think I can do it. But if someone makes the Indian version of Sex in the City (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), I’d love to be a part of it. I’d love to play the character of Carrie Bradshaw. That would be fun! With the way cinema is changing, television is changing too, the most recent proof of that being 24. For shows like these, you need fantastic writers, so if I have a good team, I’d love to make a TV show. The good thing about television is that a movie may get stalled mid-way sometimes, but a TV show, if it’s on air, goes on.