PHOTOGALLERY - Page 9

You are popular as the laughter challenge babe. What sort of a response do you get and how does it make you feel? I am greeted with a 'big smile' wherever I go. People immediate- ly associate me with the Great Indian Laughter Challenge and this response is absolutely natu- ral. It fills me with happiness that I am part of a show that has reached great heights thanks to the enormous talent. People wait for this show and consider it their weekly dose of laughter where they can forget their worries and laugh their guts out. Was it difficult landing a part on the show? Surprisingly, I didn't even have to audition! My director Pankaj Sarasawat had seen me in a television campaign and organised a meeting with me. We simply discussed the show and soon started shoot- ing for it. There was no brief given to me and since it was a new concept I simply went with the flow. What- ever came impromptu was great and Shekhar Suman and Sidhu huge- ly complemented me. We had a blast and it showed on screen. The second season was no patch on the first. Comment. See, the first season was new and fresh. There weren't any pre- conceived notions and that helped. But it happens with all shows. When the sec- ond season came along, comparisons were inevitable. But then every person is entitled to his opin- ion. I personally feel the second season was as good as the first. How is it without Shekhar Suman on the show anymore? Of course, we miss him a lot. Both Sidhu and I say at times, 'wish Shekhar was here'. But then, people make decisions in life and we've got to respect them for it. And as they say, the show must go on. Who is your favourite contestant? It would be unfair on my part if I named just a few. But I would def- initely say that Raju Shrivastav is a class apart. He's very innova- tive with his humour—you just don't know what he will do on stage. Also, every person can relate to him. Apart from him, Navin Prab- hakar and Ehsaan Qureshi from the first season were good, while in the second season, the duo from Pakistan were hilarious. Gaurav Sharma is also a young and tal- ented guy. How do you react when Shekhar-Sidhu compliment you? Oh, I began this show with them and I must say they were a great positive influence on me. Sidhu compliments every guest in such a way that the person feels absolutely special. Why didn't you pursue acting after your debut in Main Prem ki Deewani Hoon? It was good fun working with the Rajshris on the film. But I soon realized that I was more com- fortable with anchoring. So I sim- ply stuck to what I was happy doing. Your clothes and styling on the show are much appreciated. Who does the credit go to? My designer, Kavita Lakhani. She's been my college friend and has been working with me for a year. Of course, I am very involved with my look but I credit her for giving me good clothes and mak- ing me look great at all times. How's life treating you on the personal front? It's been a year since I got mar- ried and it's been a wonderful journey. God's been kind to me. i Antakshari – The Great Challenge presents a Holi Special beginning Friday, March 2 to 4, 2007 at 8 pm only on Star One