I am leading a schizophrenic life:article

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Sharona

@-Sharona-

Sparkler

+ 3

Posted: 17 years ago

'I am leading a schizophrenic life'

The indefatigable Shabana Azmi talks about her new role as judge of the reality show Jjhoom India, the viewer voting pattern... and more

Ranjib Mazumder

• You are on the panel of judges in SaharaOne's reality show, Jjhoom India, what made you accept the show?
I just found it really exciting where actors who command good popularity among the audiences have been paired with professional singers. It's quite commendable that actors took up singing for the show. The point is that their popularity is at stake as they are going to display their singing skills.

• Most of our reality shows are adaptations of foreign formats and not original.
I know most of the concepts are adaptations of foreign formats, but what I like is that they have been Indianised very well in our country. Another striking feature of the reality shows is that they have really connected Indians very well.

Shabana Azmi

• Don't you think it's high time we had original concepts?
Antakshri was an original Indian concept which took the TV audience by storm. Yes, we do need some original concepts but, by the time we get more such shows, let the viewer enjoy whatever has been offered to them.

• Okay, point taken. What will be your criteria for judging the contestants?
We all are looking forward to a 21st century entertainer. Apart from judging singing abilities, we will also look at how they present themselves in front of the audience. I am particularly looking at how they enthrall the viewers.

• Considering our unpredictable voting pattern, how do you intend to reconcile to it? If the viewers' verdict is going to prevail, what is the role of a judge?
I guess, the process is very much right. It's the audience for whom the show has been made, and it's them only who are going to choose their favourites. The only thing that makes a reality show exciting is the audience participation. It won't be quite fair if only three persons are judging a show which will be watched by millions of people.

• How was your first day at the show?
It was very entertaining. I was amazed with the quality of the contestants. After just 15 days of rehearsals, they put in so much effort to get their act right. Moreover, I have known Mahesh Bhatt for a long time and we share a great rapport. So, there is definitely a comfort level.

• Do you see yourself doing television soap in the near future?
No! It's not my scene at all.

• What else is keeping you occupied?
I am doing two new movies, but I won't be able to talk about them as I have not signed them yet. I am also going to Australia for the Asia Pacific Awards which is recognising films from the Asia Pacific region. It's actually funny that a small group of people called the Americans and their Oscars has been the parameter for judging a great form of art called cinema. This is the time we should look beyond Hollywood and recognise cinema from other countries.

• You are an actress, social worker, Parliamentarian and ambassador to the UN. How do you manage your time and prioritise your activities?
Well, it is a crazy situation. Like a few weeks back, I was at the premiere of my film Loins of Punjab, and the very next day I was protesting in the UNO as they have not put food in their main agenda and a lot other things. Sometimes, I feel like I am leading a schizophrenic life with such busy schedules.

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Frequent Posters

Sharmila

@spsharmila

Voyager

+ 3

Posted: 17 years ago

I really admire Shabana Azmi 👏 👏 ...she is a role model for all women 👏

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amukta

@amukta

Dazzler

Posted: 17 years ago

Me too.I think she is a woman of substance.

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Shruti

@shruti

Alumni

+ 9

Posted: 17 years ago

Shabana Aazmi gives perfect judgement when she came in II3 as a judge she point out flaws of each contestant in such a way tht they don't feel bad & ask them 2 improvise on it.

shruti