Q The show's original title was Extreme Makeover. Why has it been changed to Naya Roop Nayi Zindagi?
A Extreme Makeover is the original American show and Naya Roop Nayi Zindagi is the title of its adapted Indian version. It is an innovative reality show that's unique and has never been tried on Indian television so far. Since it deals with complete transformation of a person, not just by changing his/her looks but his/her life and destiny, Naya Roop Nayi Zindagi is an ideal title for the show.
Q The show was announced nearly two years ago. Why did it take so long to come on air?
A It's a very difficult show to make. It required extensive travelling to select true-to-life cases of physical deformities like congenial cleft lip, broken jaw or flawed looks. From the entries that came to the channel, a team of experts selected 10 people who underwent extensive surgeries. Multiple and complicated surgeries take long time to heal and hence the recovery period is also equally longer. It is a show that can't be done overnight. It is a step-by-step process that's shot at every stage of the makeover process over a long period.
Q You played an ugly duckling and faced rejection and humiliation in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin before turning into a beautiful swan. Did the experience of playing the character make it easy for you to relate to the people who have participated in the show?
A While playing the character in Jassi I have experienced what an individual undergoes in terms of rejection by one's peer group and the lack of confidence that comes from flawed looks. Though it was just an on-screen character, it did make me think a lot. I could understand the pain of a person with flawed looks or some physical deformity. An individual's deformity does become a major barrier in his/her personal and professional life. It was not easy for me to anchor this show. But I tried my best to relate to the participants, made them feel easy and relaxed as I laughed and joked with them. The show is about being positive in life.
Q What changes will the show bring in the participants' lives?
A They will be different people from what they were before. They were scared of stepping out of homes and facing the outside world before. But now they have been accepted by the society. They are getting jobs and some are getting mar
riage proposals too. I must say that going through the entire makeover process was a difficult task for all of them. They were alone and away from their families. They had to take all decisions about the surgeries on their own.
Q After Jassi you haven't done a single serial. after winning Jhalak you have been only hosting reality shows. Why have you kept away from acting?
A It has been a conscious decision to keep away from serials. I don't see anything interesting or exciting happening on television. All I see is vamps plotting against saas-bahus, women flirting, plastic surgeries happening, serials taking generation leaps after 200 episodes and 20-year olds playing aged mothers to actors of their own age. I don't want to be part of shows where murders, rebirths and plastic surgeries are routine things.
Q Is your dream of working in films keeping you away from doing serials?
A No, no… acting is my passion. It is my first love. I won't mind doing a good serial. But I don't want to do a bad show. As for films, they will happen. There are lots of young directors making different kinds of films and I do see myself doing a film soon.
Q So what has kept you busy?
A Extreme Makeover kept me busy quite a lot as it required travelling and shooting at different locations. I also did Extraa Shots for MAX and anchored Jhalak.
Q You were a bit nervous and reserved initially but opened up later and made the Jhalak green room rock with all those witty one-liners. How did the change happen?
A Yes, I was nervous and took some time to open up. But once I felt comfortable there was no stopping for me. In the green room I didn't have to follow a script. So I had the liberty to say witty lines and crack jokes. For me Jhalak 2 was like reliving my journey of the earlier season. In fact, most of the contestants would touch me before they went on the dance floor because they felt I was a lucky charm for them.
Q Don't you get offers for reality shows?
A Yes, I do get. I was approached to do Yeh Hai Jalwa. But after winning one reality show title I didn't want to do another dance show. Though Yeh Hai Jalwa is a little different from other shows, it didn't excite me. Reality TV is also going the way of fiction. Too much of same thing is happening everywhere.
Q You have been a Sony loyalist for the last four years. When are you going to start doing shows for other channels?
A Whatever I am today it's because of Jassi and Sony. I was on an exclusive contract with the channel and hence there was no need for me to look for work elsewhere. Now the contract is over and I am free to work for other channels. I am getting some interesting offers for reality shows and something may happen soon.
Q Is marriage on the cards?
A There is no time for marriage now. Neither I nor Karan (Oberoi) are in hurry to tie the knot. We are focused on our respective careers. May be marriage will happen after a couple of years.
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