‘Reality shows are like a boxing match’

Q After doing two seasons of Indian Idol why did you skip the third edition of the show? You also didn't do the second season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa…
At the time of third season of Indian Idol I was very busy with my film and didn't have any time for the show. In fact, Indian Idol takes a lot of time as the exercise starts from audition stage and your commitment lasts as long as six months by the time it reaches the final stage. I also couldn't do Jhalak because I was four months pregnant and was also busy with the post-production of Om Shanti Om.

Q So how did you take a call on Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar despite having three little babies?
First and foremost I love reality shows. They may be done to death but I love watching them. In fact, I am a reality TV junkie and have watched most of the shows, be it Bigg Boss, MTV Roadies, Shava Shava or Jjhoom India. I love all the real drama, arguments and screaming that happens on reality shows. It's a great feeling to be back again on reality TV.

Q What are the other reasons for doing this new show?
Besides being a reality TV junkie, the major reason was that the show requires just one day in a week. They also agreed for a flexible time so that I could feed my three little kids. I also liked the show's format which has six winners and 12 contestants from various talent hunts. I think the USP of the show is the face-off between the winners and challengers. And the best thing is that judges' marking will have 50 per cent say in the final result.

Q But don't all reality shows look the same? Aren't the formats similar?
They might appear similar but each show is different from the other. Each format has different nuances. In Jo Jeeta the fight is between the best of the best. It's a lavish production and I am sure it's going to get rock. Despite so many reality shows happening across all channels, there is huge viewership for reality TV.
Q What could be the reason behind viewers watching so many reality shows?
I think people connect easily with music and dance. Once they are used to watching certain shows they become part of the contestants' journey and that makes them come back again and again. Reality shows are also contentious in nature. Every decision and elimination is hotly discussed and debated. I think we Indians are opinionated people and since there are five or six opinions in every house, watching reality TV is a sure short entertainment for them.

Q Is it necessary to have melodrama and arguments in a reality show?
I think it is necessary. But it's not deliberate. It is an intrinsic part of the reality format which is quite natural when you have three judges and several contestants on one platform. It's like a boxing match.

Q You might get accused of being partial because there are a few contestants on this show who were seen on Indian Idol 1 and 2 and Fame Gurukul before.
I don't have any favourites. Essentially, I always look for a good voice. To me all of them are newcomers though they are not raw talents trying to be good singers. This is the cream and choosing the best is going to be a difficult task though.

Q In the last few years talent hunts have thrown up many singers but none have really succeeded in a big way. Why?
I don't think the ultimate aim of talent hunts is to find playback singers. Even the contestants are not looking at just being playback singers either. The aim is to find good singers and give them a platform. Most of them are so busy with stage shows that they hardly have time for anything else.

Q Has motherhood changed you in any way? Was it difficult getting back to work within a few months of delivering three kids?
Well, I am having great fun with my three babies. Getting back to work wasn't difficult at all for me because I have my mother and mother-in-law for support. In fact, I also have a lot of staff for help. I am in a position to hire even a nurse. I think it's not difficult at all for women to start working. There are women from poor families who get back to work within a week after delivery.

Q When will you start working on your next film?
Right now I am working on the script which is half ready. It will take some time before the film goes on the floor.

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