| Model. Anchor. VJ. Wife. Mother. Mini Mathur juggles many roles and with great ease. But the one that she truly enjoys is her role as the host of Indian Idol. Having been part of the show from its first season, Mini feels a sense of belonging to the show and its contestants. For Mini Mathur, hosting the show is not just a job done. It is something very close to her heart. "I had just delivered a baby and was taking a break when I was offered Indian Idol," says Mini. "I had heard of American Idol but had not been following it. Western formats had not been successful in India and I was not very keen to accept the show. I have been a model, hosted fashion shows, anchored travel shows, been a VJ with MTV, so I didn't want to host another show. But finally I did accept it and it has been a great experience since then." Having hosted all three seasons of Indian Idol, Mini's involvement now extends beyond what one sees on camera. "For me Indian Idol is not about my bread and butter. I share a rapport with the contestants right from the auditions in various cities. From meeting 5,000 aspirants it finally comes down to the final few that the viewers see on television. There are many emotional memories attached." She recalls an incident that she will never forget. "I remember meeting a guy who had not eaten for two days, he had walked miles just to come for the auditions, not for the money and the glamour but because he loved singing. It simply moved me to see his poverty-stricken condition and his passion for music despite it." Mini confesses she is not one who can switch on and off with the camera. "In fact," she says, "Indian Idol takes me beyond the job at hand. Every night before I go to bed I check out blogs on Indian Idol contestants and like to read who the viewers are rooting for and why." She also likes to know what people think and say about her too. "I like to let the contestants know in my own way what their shortcomings are and what people like about them. In fact, I have become the via media between the contestants and the judges and even the producers," she adds. Mini says it's hard for her to watch talented contestants getting voted out. "I still remember Rahul Saxena in the first season who did not deserve to go when he did. There was Aisha Sayyed this season who did not make it even to the top 13, but what a singer she was. Karunya from Hyderabad still keeps in touch with me," she says. The current season of the show has been particularly close to her heart. "This one has seen the best talent so far." It has also seen Mini at her protective best. Any unduly harsh comment from the judges about the youngsters immediately has Mini up in arms to defend them. "Am I coming across too aggressively?" she asks "I must tone down. It is not in my script nor has the channel asked me to take up for the kids. I just can't help it," she says. It is not just the kids, even Alisha Chinai who has been facing the brunt of Anu Malik's comments has found an ally and supporter in Mini. "I think women should take up for women!' |
Hindi TV Shows
