"I have a connection with God"- Shakti Arora

Shakti Arora, who debuted in Ba Bahu Aur Baby and acted in serials like Tere Liye and Sanskaar Laxmi, is currently seen anchoring Siddarth Kumar Tewary's Gyaan Guru on Imagine TV.  Here he opens up to Tellybuzz...

After acting in daily soaps to hosting a show like Gyan Guru, how is the experience so far...
I feel there is a lot of difference in acting and anchoring. I feel acting is quite easy as compared to anchoring. While anchoring we have to be very spontaneous and impromptu.As far as acting goes, you get a script and then you learn and deliver. Anchoring gives me a feeling of what a jumper feels when he dives from the sky.


Whenever you think of a host/anchor, who is the one that comes to your mind?
Obvious choice -  Amitabh Bachchan, He is the god of acting and anchoring. He has that exact poise, experience and  stamina to handle anything with so much of compassion and ease.


People often say in showbiz that out of sight means out of mind. As an actor how important is it for you to be seen on the screen in front of the audience?
Nowadays, there is a lot of competition between actors as well as channels. Lot of shows are coming up and many actors are coming and going. If you reject a role there are 1000 people waiting to do that same role. But in a way, I feel, if you stay out of touch for a while it's okay because even the audience gets bored of watching the same face over and over again. After sometime you can come back with a different look and with a bang..It has its pros and cons..

Since Gyan Guru is a show based on Indian culture, how much is Shakti learning from the show?
I was at zero when I started the show and I can say that I have learned a lot about our culture and values. It's changing me as a person and I have started accepting and respecting our culture more than before. Definitely an experience to cherish forever.


You always said that films are the main destination for you. How are you working towards to it?
Yes it is and I have always felt that I am made for films. I feel I connect better with films, portraying different roles. At least i have tried that in the small screen, I have never done a role which is similar to a previous one. I am hoping that I will get a meaty character in a good film soon.

Out of Tere Liye, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, and Sanskar Laxmi, which has been your fondest memory and why?
All three have given me name, fame and money. With each one I have fond memories. When I was doing  Tere Liye I felt this is the best role which I have done till now, and same for the other two.As I said I have always tried different roles in my career so far. I am lucky and that I must admit.

How will you rate yourself as a host? Which are the areas that still need to be polished in hosting?
 I will rate myself generously with 6 points. There are many areas on which I have to work. I guess that will come with time and more practice. I am sure in my second show as an anchor I will give myself 10 (smiles).

According to you the basic parameters of a good anchor?
Good sense of humor, voice, spontaneity, improvisation, and most importantly to be able to connect with the contestants and the audience in the show.

You are the grandson of veteran and versatile actor Chandrashekhar. What kind of a relationship do you share with him?
There is an amazing bond with him which I can't define in words.He is the most happiest person on earth right now because he loves me in Gyaan Guru. He has seen all my shows but never followed it because he thought I didn't do a good job. But here he feels I am really good and praises me a lot. He is my biggest critic, and I feel if he likes the show, 'toh mera jeevan safal ho gaya'. Don't need anything else in life.

Any specific memory which you can recall from your childhood, with him?
I think he is the only reason why I am in this industry. Since childhood I have seen many parties at his place where all celebrities used to gather for kavi samelans, shero shayris and plus he used to love having parties at his place. Growing up in that environment made me an actor today. I think that acting keeda of mine I got it from there itself. I feel I couldn't do anything else apart from acting.

How is it working with Siddarth Tewary and Swastik?
They are simply great as producers. I have worked with them before in Agle Janam Mohe Betiyan Hi Kijo. When they approached me for Gyaan Guru I happily accepted the offer. I am happy that I debuted as an anchor with Gyan Guru.

Who are your favourite film stars and why?
Hrtihik Roshan for his dancing skills, Shah Rukh Khan for his energy, Aamir Khan for his excellency and detailing in every role.

Do you believe in astrology and numerology? If yes, why and how and if no, why?
I think you should try everything but always follow your heart. You should rule your destiny.  What rituals do you follow yourself?I have a connection with God.You can say I have a hotline number. Actually I don't need rituals to please him.


What is the philosophy of your life?
I love the tattoo on Siddharth Kumar Tewary's hand, where it is written ONE LIFE. I completely believe that we have one life, so live it to the fullest.You should not miss any moments.