Replacing Irrfan Khan was a challenge: Mishal

Mishal Raheja, who has received rave reviews for his hosting skills in Mano Ya Na Mano 2 on STAR One, speaks about his favorite episodes from the show.

The first time host also reveals about how he felt after getting to know that he would be replacing world renowned actor Irrfan Khan on the show.

"When I was offered to host Mano Ya Na Mano 2, the biggest thing was that I would be replacing the terrific Irrfan Khan who had hosted season 1 of the show", reveals Mishal. "I took it up as a challenge and it has been a fantastic experience".

So was Mishal nervous as this was the first time he was hosting a show? "Yes I was a bit nervous and feeling very pressurized because everyone kept reminding me that I was stepping into Irrfan Khan's shoes. I remember after I gave my first take, the producer Siddharth Kak stood up and started clapping for me saying that I have done a good job. After that I gained confidence and felt comfortable hosting the show".

Speaking about his favorite episodes from the show, Mishal recalls "There was this episode featuring Nausheen Ali Sardar where it was shown that travelers in Rajasthan worship a bike before continuing their journey, as it is considered unlucky if they do no do so. Another favorite was the episode about Prahlad Jaani who has not consumed food or water since 70 years and survives only on sunlight".

Mishal who loves the show, and has watched the previous season, also recalls his favorite episode from the season hosted by Irrfan Khan. "I remember an episode about this truck driver whose children's skin is just like that of a snake. It was amazing" says the actor.

Mishal is also very happy about being nominated for the ITA awards and shares his excitement with us "I am nominated in the best actor category for my other show Laagi Tujhse Lagan, and it is a great feeling", smiles Mishal.

The actor also says that he would like thank his fans for making him so popular. "My fans are the ones who are responsible for giving me all the success that I have got. I would like to tell them to keep loving me as I am greedy for the love", says Mishal.

Watch Mano Ya Na Mano, Saturday and Sunday at 10.30 pm on STAR One