Through the magnifying glass

When did you join the show?

I was approached before the show went on air. The selections were already made in several cities that included Chandigarh, Bhopal and Delhi. Mahima, Mukesh and singer Jassi had tested the participants and shortlisted 31. Now, we have brought the list down to 20 and the numbers will reduce as the show proceeds, and in the final round we shall zero down on one boy and one girl.

Who will take the final call when it comes to the winners?

The winners will be decided after gauging the inputs from all three of us, as everyone has their own perception of a potential actor.

You have been a judge on the reality dance show, Nach Baliye and Chota Packet and Bada Dhamaka. What attracted you to Ticket To Bollywood?

I liked the concept. Today, we mostly have dance reality shows, but this was the first reality show where we were looking at acting talent. In fact, we have knocked off people who only show their dancing skills. Besides, television means exposure to our fans, and we directors also look at reality shows as a means of earning extra bit of money (laughs). Unlike actors, there’s very little scope for us to make money. We also do workshops with the participants and it’s nice to see them evolve as actors.

Any talent on the show which has impressed you?

There’s some very good talent that we have on the show and I know that producers, directors and casting directors are following this programme. There are many participants from remote villages and small towns, for instance, there’s this boy from Bhopal who comes from a humble background and has done street plays, and is really good. He has made it to the finals.
In the final 31, we also had someone who used to be a rag-picker. He got eliminated because he couldn’t handle the pressure of being on television!

How do you look at TV today, since you have been involved with the medium since 1990 when you did Chalo Cinema?

I think it’s time to revamp the reality shows and showcase acting talent, rather than concentrate so much on dance based reality shows that have become predictable.These shows need to break out of the set groove, as you cannot tell one show from the other. I like the singing based reality shows though. Ours is the first acting based reality show, and I hope there will be many more to follow.

What’s your take on directors judging reality shows?

There is a lot that a director can contribute to in a reality show as we have an overall idea of every department of movie making.There’s a certain personality attached to a director and he can analyse intelligently. And then considering that TV is a visual medium, we also look presentable (laughs). That is why you see so many director judges like Karan Johar on reality shows. In fact, I have several offers, but am weighing the options as to which ones are good.

Is there any participant that you would cast in your film?

There are one or two people I would want to cast, but I am watching their growth as actors in each episode and then I shall take a call.

geety.sahgal@expressindia.com