'Two Bahus will perform and the other two will host' - Sakshi Tanwar

She's one of primetime television's favorite bahus. The name is Sakshi Tanwar. She's been part of Ekta Kapoor's Kahaani Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii for close to seven years now. While Kapoor's other favorites, Smriti Iraani, Shweta Tiwari and Prachi Desai have moved on to other shows and doing other things, Tanwar continues to be part of the Balaji stable, come hell or high water. Soft spoken and extremely talented, it's always a pleasure to speak to the Dilli ki ladki.

Starting March 16, Tanwar will be seen in a new avatar, as a reality dance show hostess. She will co-host Vodafone Yeh Hai Jalwa which will be aired on 9X, with Smriti Irani while the other two bahus, Shweta Tiwari and Prachi Desai take part as participants.

Here are the excerpts from the interview.

So how did Yeh Hai Jalwa come about?

I had anchored a show called Dhamaal Express for Bonnie Jain (producer of Yeh Hai Jalwa). Ali Asgar and I had donned nine different looks and styles for it as it was based on the nine rasas. It was good fun and I really enjoyed anchoring it. So this time, when Bonnie came up with the offer of hosting Yeh Hai Jalwa, I instantly said yes, as I loved the concept and the thought of hosting a reality show really excited me. What better way to be a part of a dance based reality show without actually competing in it!

Are you nervous?

Well, I am not exactly nervous, but since I am entering a new territory, a little amount of anxiety is surely there.

Four Balaji bahus together, your thoughts on it?

It will be quite interesting to see all four of us together for the first time in a reality show. Of course like good bahus, we have distributed our responsibilities equally… two of us will be hosting and two will be performing (smiles)

What's your equation with Smriti?

It is always a pleasure working with Smriti. We have a great rapport which translates on screen as well. People have always liked to see us together, be it in KBC, TV or public events or combo episodes. It's been a long time that we shared screen space together, and I am looking forward to it. Also this is the first time we are hosting something together and that too a dance reality show. I have always admired her multi-tasking abilities and this will be a chance to learn a lot from her.

What's your look going to be like, in the show?

It will be decided by our creative team for each episode. Even I am looking forward to what they are planning for my look.

You have already shot for the first episode…What was the experience like?

It was a wonderful experience seeing all the participants dance with so much enthusiasm and passion. The first episode will also have the opening performance by Smriti and me, and I really enjoyed it.

Why aren't you singing or dancing in any of these reality shows?

Well, I guess I am too laidback and I completely lack the competitive spirit. I am happy with whatever little dancing I do in TV events.

You seem to be the only Balaji bahu who's stayed on in a serial, while the others have moved on…

Well everyone has their reasons to move on and I have mine to stay on. The show has given me a lot of range to work on as a performer… I have already portrayed three different avatars, Parvati, Swati Dishit and Janki, each different from the other and equally challenging and creatively satisfying. Moreover, I have also done other shows along with Kahaani, be it Sansaar, Devi, Gurukul or Kab Kyon Kaise and other cameos.

You recently danced with Shah Rukh Khan at one of the awards ceremony… How was
it dancing with him?

The act had a very interesting concept and I was happy to be a part of it. I was performing live after many years and that too with SRK… I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Author: Suhaani Rai