Mantra comes back on television with 'Family Fortunes'!

       

After a 15 year hiatus, 'Family Fortunes' (Big Magic), one of the most loved TV game shows is back. The show which was hosted by Roshan Abbas earlier, is making a comeback on Indian Television. Big Magic will launch the show in an all new-avatar with a new host - ace comedian and actor, Mantra. 

The witty host, Mantra is very happy to be part of such lovable show and sharing his insights, he talks about, how this show will enthrall audiences in a bigger and better way.

In his own eccentric style, Mantra shares with tellybuzz about his unique plans to bring Indian families together this festive season through 'Family Fortunes'.

Let's have a look on what Mantra has to say about his new show:

Family Fortunes was hosted by Roshan Abbas earlier and it was one of the most loved TV game shows. What attracted you to the show?

I have immense amount of love and respect for Mr. Roshan Abbas. While I did not get a chance to catch up on the Indian version which became so popular in its time, I did get a chance to catch up on the English versions that have aired in the past. The new Family Fortunes in India is more along the lines of the international versions which have been hosted by some legends such as Richard Dawson and Bob Monkhouse. Irrespective of where and in what format the show is adapted in any part of the world, it is always the anchor's personality that plays a huge part in making it a success. Big Magic is an out and out comedy channel.  In a game show format, the scope for humour is always high, and the anchor is responsible to drive that. Taking these factors into consideration, and combined with the fact that I would have the chance to join a league of legends made me grab the opportunity with both hands.                                                     

Do you feel pressurized for keeping the show's legacy intact with the new season?

Absolutely. I've already thrown light on some of the big names that have been associated with the show, including Mr. Roshan Abbas. Each of them brought their own unique elements to the show, successfully managing to keep its legacy and integrity intact. So there is definitely a sense of pressure, but more than pressure, it's just an absolute honour to be part of a show that has had such a legendary legacy. 

After a 15 year gap, how will the show enthral audiences? What will be the new element?

Audiences who have watched Family Fortunes 15 years ago have grown 15 years older, and would not necessarily form a part of the core TG of the show today. People who were born in that era, and who are now in their teens will comprise the major chunk of the audience who would watch the show today. Since we are focusing on a completely new audience, the questions asked are in sync with today's times, very topical and extremely relevant.

You were a part of 'Narayan Narayan' with Big Magic, so how did this show come your way? How is your association with the channel?

Reliance Broadcast Network and I go back a long way. When BIG FM was being launched, I was in fact supposed to be anchoring one of their shows at that point of time. Unfortunately, that did not work out. However, a relationship was formed, and one that never really lost thread. I have tremendous amount of love and respect for Mr. Tarun Katial, who is at the helm of Reliance Broadcast Network today. We were always thinking of ways in which I could associate with Big Magic. Finally, 'Narayan Narayan' came along and I grabbed it with both hands. Today, I think it is majorly because of Mr. Katial that I bagged the opportunity to play host of Big Magic's 'Family Fortunes'. 

What would be your role on the show? Which side of yours will you project to the audience?

As you already know, I'm playing the main anchor of the show. And we all know how important an anchor is for any ship to sail. Over and above that, I'm also part of the show as a comedian, especially as a stand-up artist. If you've noticed all the previous versions of the show, right from the original to all the adapted versions, every episode delves straight into the game. But with this particular version, we start the episodes with a stand-up act. Therefore, my role on the show extends beyond just being the anchor. So it is not only fun and games, but hopefully a lot of fresh personalities of mine that will reflect on the show. While we've just completed the shoot for the first few episodes, I'm exploring the various sides of mine that can be portrayed as the season moves along. 

You started your journey as RJ, you were then a  VJ for Channel V, hosted events and also participated in a dance reality show Jhalak. Please elaborate about your journey on Indian Television?

I've always been known as RJ Mantra because I began my stint as an artist on radio. The first few years of my career on radio was a tremendous learning experience for me, and I also received several awards along the way which motivated me to keep exploring, and keep pushing the boundaries. Yes, my first stint on TV began as a VJ with one of the most popular youth entertainment channels. When I shifted to Mumbai, it was Mr. Roshan Abbas who was instrumental in giving me an opportunity to star in a show called 'Lagegi' on bindass. Since then, there was no looking back. I got called upon by leading GECs on Indian Television to be part of some of the most popular and loved reality shows. I eventually earned the image of a full-fledged comedian, and something that I'm always identified as today. My aim is to explore different kinds of roles on Indian TV and continue to showcase several layers of my personality.  I would like to soon establish myself as an actor. So yes, it's been a tremendous journey so far.   

We wish Mantra good luck for his new venture!

Aakruti Damani