'I have not played Holi all my life”

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Shruti

@shruti

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Posted: 18 years ago

"I have not played Holi all my life"

With the fervour of Holi setting in, JYOTHI VENKATESH talks to the 'colourful' Raakhi Sawant about her present and future plans.

Raakhi Sawant has joined the bandwagon of comedy shows with the new show called Comedy Ka Badsshah-Hasega India with Great Indian Laughter Challenge finalist Raju Srivastav as the stand up comedian.

How did you bag the show Comedy Ka Badsshah-Hasega India since it is your debut on television?
I didn't understand why Sandeep Sickand and Vipul Shah called me up when I was shooting for a film called Buddha Mar Gaya in Hyderabad. I never imagined that I would act in a serial like this but because of Sony TV, I said yes. They told me that it would not be exactly a serial since I would be required to participate in half of the show as a judge.

What is your approach to the show?
n It is actually a spoof cum sitcom. Vipul Shah told me that my character was written keeping me in mind. The programme would be different because I am there. After getting tired of politics and corruption the whole day, when the audiences watch my show, they would feel like laughing and forget their problems . I will wear a sexy sari as a bahu. My looks will be as I look as Raakhi Sawant. Even if I were to play Meena Kumari, my pallu will go a little low. After watching the programme you will lose weight by laughing your guts out.

Would you let some contestant do a spoof on Mika?
It is a show to discover new comedians. I cannot stop a contestant if he sets out to do a spoof of Mika. When I decided to take a stand on the issue, I knew I would end up inviting controversies but I am glad I did not compromise and let myself be taken for granted.
Has your image undergone a sea change after Big Boss?
I was inside The Big Boss for almost three months and hence I do not know how I was received outside. I concede that my total image has changed for the better after Big Boss. You have seen only one hour every day but I had to spend the rest of the 23 hours with people who used to constantly make fun of me. Before Big Boss, I had never spent time with such vichitra prani (strange creatures) under one roof. I have always been a titli (butterfly) who likes to go on talking non-stop. I didn't make friends with any one in the Big Boss. Though we almost had physical fights we didn't end up fighting because we were told that we will not get even a rupee if we had physical fights.
To what extent have you had to struggle to achieve success?
To reach this stage, I have struggled a lot in life. I have had to sever relations with my family too. I am proud that though I did not get my father's love, I have been able to stand on my own feet and look after my family consisting of my brother, sister and mother.
Have you bid good bye to acting in films?
I am acting in Sanjay Gupta's Shoot Out at Lokhandwala and Buddha Mar Gaya. I will not stop accepting offers to do item numbers in films, music videos or stage performances.
I can never forget my roots. I have struggled my way as Neeru to reach this stage when I am known as Raakhi Sawant. I do not want to be stamped in a particular slot. I do not want to look down on anything that I have done till now. I am open to everything- movies, item numbers, stage shows, music videos etc.
Did Amitabh Bachchan recommend your name for the film Shoot Out At Lokhandwala?
I am playing the role of Pooja Bedi in the film. Pooja was near the shoot-out when it happened. Actually Pooja herself was considered for the role but Bachchansaab told Sanjay that he would not like to work with Pooja Bedi because he would be uncomfortable with her and recommended my name for the part.
Is it true that Dev saab has cast you in his next project?
I am thrilled that a great star like Dev Anand who I met recently told me that he wanted me to act in his next film. He was quite charged when he saw me. I am amazed that he looks young even now at this age. I just cannot imagine that he is 84 years old. I think in several ways Devsaab and I are very similar. Both of us talk in one breath. He is not only amazing but also very handsome. I told him that I would love to work with him even before I could read the script to know what my role is going to be in his film. It is my proud privilege that Devsaab thought of casting me for his film. I am flattered.
When did you meet your boy friend Abhsihek Awasthi for the first time?
I met Abhishek for the first time when he had come to the shoot of my music video Mumbai Shaher. He is a Spicean whereas I am a Saggi. He is very opposite to what I am by nature. My mother was shocked when he came home one day and told me that he was hungry. I made parathas for him. In my life, I have never made a paratha for anyone else ever!
Did you recommend Abhishek for the show?
I did not recommend my boyfriend's name to Vipul. The producers thought that since both of us share a great chemistry, we could be cast as husband and wife in the segment Hamari Bahu Raakhi.
How do you plan to play Holi this year?
I have never played Holi all my life. To tell you the truth, I do not like colors at all, though the audiences perceive me as a very colorful person.