Mini's chat transcript

Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with TV personality, Mini Mathur at 12 noon (IST) on Tuesday, January 24 2006, in Mumbai

Mini Mathur
TV Personality

"It's difficult to come to terms with the crudity of the film world if one is an educated, intelligent person."


Rekha > You took off from TV for a long time before returning to it with the show Indian Idol –1. Why such a long sabbatical?
Mini Mathur > Because I needed a break. I had done seven years of TV including four years as an MTV VJ. So, I needed to chill.

Lili > Being a management graduate, why didn't you take up a corporate job?
Mini Mathur > I did. I worked in an advertising firm for two years. When the opportunity to work on TV came my way, I decided to do it for a lark, and it just sort of continued.

Gladdy > Hi Mini, it is wonderful to see you in Indian Idol. But tell me honestly, are you comfortable with Aman?
Mini Mathur > I had a huge problem initially, but now I am sort of comfortable with the idea. How come you ask this?

Priyanka > Hi Mini! I have heard that you are going to cut your hair short. You are getting a makeover done?
Mini Mathur > Completely an incorrect information.

Mitu > Hello didi, had your lunch? Didi, I like your anchoring style very much. How did you start your career?
Mini Mathur > Yes, I have eaten. To cut the long story short, I started as an MBA, and then began working on TV, but it was only as a hobby. However, I fell in love with my new job. Thanks for appreciating the effort.

Gaya > After the Aman Verma episode of the sting operation, didn't you feel awkward working with him again?
Mini Mathur > No, I believe in maintaining professional relationships and so decided to keep his personal episode out .

Ria sen > How did you actually get into this Indian Idol Stuff?
Mini Mathur > I was working out at my gym and the producer of the show was working out (too) next to me. We got chatting, and he thought I would be perfect for it, especially because it needed an experienced anchor.

Pooja > Hello Mini! Have you cut your hair for Indian Idol-2?
Mini Mathur > No, I haven't. It's still as long.

Neha > I don't believe Mini that you are the same person who we used to see in my childhood, on the programme Junglee Toofan ! What a change?
Mini Mathur > Jungleee Toofan ? What is that? I have never heard of it. But anyway, thank you.

Mitu > Do you have a daughter or a son?
Mini Mathur > I have a two-year-old son. His name is Vivaal.

Cool > How is Aman as a co-anchor? What sort of rapport do you two share? Are you buddies or just cool professionals?
Mini Mathur > Well, we are definitely not buddies. Initially, my style differed vastly from his style of hosting shows. But now we have reached a stage of equilibrium. What do you think?

Dude > How is Aman's style of anchoring different from yours? And how do you two manage to keep pace with ach other? Do you discuss your parts before doing each show?
Mini Mathur > Well, his style was more mass based and pure Hindi types where as, I use normal spoken language, which is easy to understand. I prefer to be unscripted and spontaneous whereas, he prefers scripts because he is an actor. Like I said, I don't pre discuss anything because that way the show loses its spontaneity.

Mitu > When is your birthday?
Mini Mathur > 21st of August.

Davvy > Did you ever think of becoming a Bollywood actress?
Mini Mathur > No, I have never given it a thought.

Fitz > Your hubby Kabir Khan is a filmmaker. Are you too going to become a filmmaker some day?
Mini Mathur > I hope to do that for sure. I'm deeply interested in different forms of cinema and I do hope I can make a film one day.

Jigs > What attracted you to your husband Kabir so much that you decided to marry him? When and how did the two of you meet and fall in love?
Mini Mathur > This question can only be answered in 560 pages! But I liked his sense of humour, his honesty, his intelligence and his smile. We met while shooting for a TV show for Home TV, in Delhi. He was directing it and I was hosting it.

Titli > Did you ever go to an acting school or do theatre before? You are excellent in front of the camera. And your body language is just right. Where did you pick up the technicalities? Are you naturally witty? You have a way with words.
Mini Mathur > Wow Thanks so much! I am flattered. No, I haven't gone to any acting school but (have) dabbled in theatre. One picks up these things with exposure on the job.

Romii > Mini, why didn't you ever become an actress? You have all the qualities of a leading lady in you.
Mini Mathur > Thanks so much. It's a very cute thing to say. Why don't you call Karan Johar and tell him.

Mehak > Are you going to try your hand at acting ever? What would it be- films or TV?
Mini Mathur > Definitely never acting on TV because I hate the content of TV serials. If an interesting movie comes my way, I will think about it for sure.

Romil > Seriously, tell me you never wanna be an actress or, you never tried because no good filmmakers actually offered you the role and you are kinda of fed up with the way the film industry works. I mean casting couch (which will not affect you now that you are established) and the recommendations, having a godfather or a being from a film family. These things do frustrate, don't they Mini? Would love to know your thoughts.
Mini Mathur > It's difficult to come to terms with the crudity of the film world if one is an educated, intelligent person. Films require a lot of networking, hard selling and sweet talking people, who don't know the world outside of films. If I did want to be an actress, I would find it hard to appease people like that. Never gave acting in films a serious thought, as TV has always kept me very busy and successful but if I get a great role from an educated, sensible filmmaker like Ashutosh Gowarikar, I wouldn't mind doing it.

Sakshi arora > Ma'm, what are your hobbies?
Mini Mathur > I love to travel, love scuba diving, adventure sports, reading and cinema.

Davvy > If you have to decide between reality television and TV serials, what will you prefer?
Mini Mathur > Undoubtedly reality TV because I don't like the regressive content of TV serials. And secondly, I love the spontaneity and human contact in reality TV.

Rahul > What else are you planning besides, Indian Idol? Your future plans?
Mini Mathur > Well, I already host a show called Popkorn on Zoom. And I have another big one coming up soon. You will hear about it soon.

Sign Off Message > Okay guys, I am off. It was absolutely fantastic to connect with all of you. I am flattered that so many of you like what I do. It feels good. Cheers and thanks. Mini Mathur.