Its fun working with Himani, says Karan
What made you take up this offer to anchor 'Antakhshari'?
Well the biggest reason was my love for music and of course a big brand like Zee associated with it. And I would also like to say that I am not anchoring the show, I am playing Antakshari. It's no more a formatted show. We will be doing full masti and I want to create a carnival atmosphere here. Simply, no rules this time.
You had also anchored a similar show on Star Plus. How was that?
Yes you are right. It was 'Hai Na Bolo Bolo' on Star Plus. But I was also shooting for a film of mine, due to which I was unable to do full justice with this show. Also as it was having a fixed format there was no liberty for my creative abilities. I was new at that time. As an anchor sans experience made things difficult for me too. Finally, I had to leave the show.
Then will it be a challenge now in 'Antakshari'?
In a way yes as it will be for such a big and popular television channel. The show also enjoys a huge popularity among the audience. But I will be putting all my efforts in it. In fact I have told the channel to give me the liberty to perform and have assured them of changing the whole look of the show. During my first show in Star ('Hai Na Bolo Bolo') I was inexperienced but after that I have performed in hundreds of live shows with my band. I have handled my live shows successfully in front of an audience of fifty thousand. My experience has enhanced my confidence level a lot.
How is Band of boys doing...any updates? Haven't heard about it lately?
I agree that's a mistake on my part. We aren't media conscious at all. That is why people think we are doing nothing or we don't exist anymore. As I told you we have been doing live shows regularly everywhere in India and almost in all the college campuses. Would you believe my band's first music album 'Meri Nind Ud Gaye' has sold 4.5 lakh copies in India? It's just impossible for any band like us.
You were supposed to release your first private album this month.
Yes, It will coming in the next 2-3 months but I don't know the exact date. Preparations are on.
Do you also have your production house?
Yes. It is called 'Artistic'. We are working on two projects simultaneously. One is for a film and the other is for a TV show. I have told my partners that we are not in a hurry. The first venture will only come out after it gets my full creative approval.
How will describe your relationship with Mona Singh? How do you deal with those rumours?
(Laughs) I don't want to describe it. When it comes to discussing my personal life I shy away. It's my life so I want to keep it personal. As far as rumours are concerned I don't give any importance to them. It doesn't stop my life either. Sometimes my friends call me up to inform about the stories that come in newspapers. I read them and forget. After all, life has to move on.
You didn't take up any other serials after Jassi. Are you less interested in acting?
Whatever I do, creative satisfaction is very important for me. I don't want to do anything that is mediocre. It shouldn't make me feel naukri type. I simply hate that. If you see my resume you will find five shows in ten years, but all quality work.
Have you met Himani? What's your opinion about her?
Oh, she is superb. She is so young and charming. Hardly 18 years of age and always trying to make me comfortable every time from day one of shoot. It's really fun working with her.
Are you aware of the differences that happened between Sunil Pal and the channel? He has alleged of humiliation. What will you do if same happens with you?
Sorry, have no clues about the differences. And it doesn't matter to me whatever his allegations are. It's better to speak to the channel itself for a better answer on this. Secondly I would never want to comment on speculations.
What are you expectations from 'Antakshari'? Where do you see yourself after 10 episodes?
I just believe in putting my all efforts and rest is in God's hand. I will go wherever destiny takes me.
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