'All the action's

T he actress is ready with her first venture after setting up her produc- tion house Magicworks. Titled Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Hungama (Zee Muzic), Man- asi Joshi Roy says that it cov- ers the behind-the-scenes of the musical talent hunt Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Vishwayudh (Zee). Drama in a talent hunt Says Roy "These shows reveal , that there is tremendous tal- ent amongst youngsters for playback singing. Viewers always speculate as to what really goes behind making a reality talent show. "They have so far only been able to see the drama on stage but the reactions after the shoot also makes for equally entertaining television. "Being a part of Nach Baliye, I know the action that happens backstage. I bring that experience to this show." Vishwayudh will go on air on May 4 between 10 and 11 pm. Roy's show will air on Zee Muzic from 11 to 11 30 pm, every Friday and Saturday . Roy says, "This time, apart from India, there is an inter- esting mix of participants from the UK, USA, Dubai, Pakistan and South Africa. We shall cover all the action backstage in the studio and at the gurukul in Goregaon." Reality genre Why a reality show? "Though I can't hold a tune, I love music. The reality genre is fascinating. The channel came to us with the concept. My aim is to provide quality content. I have to believe in it and enjoy it. I see it as a great opportunity to present out-of the-box ideas," she says. Neha Bhasin will be the anchor of the show. Com- ments Roy "She herself is the , product of a reality talent hunt show. So, Neha shares a very high empathy factor with the participants." The director of the show is Kohnish Palat and the writer is Ritika Bajaj. "I'm lucky to work with them. They're young, talented and enthusiastic," says Roy . What's new? What else is being planned? "I have a concept in fiction ready and that should come on air this year. I'm also look- ing at films." Roy has bagged a role in the film Alibaug. She says, "Sanjay Gupta is a dear friend and like a brother. It's after a year that I've accepted a role. I can't play a mother just for the sake of it on TV . "I accepted the role of a mother in Kkusum only because she was the lead protagonist." How does she view TV today? "It's a fabulous medi- um. We should experiment in terms of content. I want to be associated with projects that are criti- cally acclaimed and also appreciated by the masses." What prompted her to turn producer? "It's not unknown territory. I've observed it closely and it's an exten- sion of my being an actress. My parents are a huge influ- ence here," she says. Spouse support What is her husband's (Rohit Roy), contribu- tion? She says, "Rohit is the wind beneath my wings. He is very supportive." Ask Rohit and he says, "I'm so busy with my assignments that I'm there only in spirit to help Manasi. Reality shows are difficult to handle since they can get boring. So, one has to be clear in its presentation." usha.thomas@hindustantimes.com