Jhatka & matka

After many false starts, Karisma Kapoor is finally back! Not on the big screen yet. But on the small screen. The Dil To Pagal Hai star will be seen on STAR Plus alongside Farah Khan and Arjun Rampal judging the Nach Baliye 4 jodis from this Friday evening. Here's Karisma on what we call her comeback...

Why did you choose Nach Baliye 4 to return to the world of showbiz?

It is about the reputation. Nach Baliye has been existing for three years now. I have watched it from the time when I didn't know who the jodis are till the time the jodis were more popular than the jury! My favourites have been Sachin and Supriya (Pilgaonkar) and the fact that people of their age had more gusto and energy than any of the leading stars on the show. It's not only about dance, it's an overall package.

Dancing has been my forte and for the first time I will be judging a set of people. That not only excites me but also interests me because I have always been on the other side of the table. People have judged me, appreciated me, criticised me for my talent and today I will be doing the same for the 12 jodis. I am hoping to do my best.

You have already shot for the first episode. Did you feel rusty after the long layoff?

I don't know the word layoff! It's neither a layoff nor a comeback for me. When internationally artistes do movies after a period of two to three years, they are never questioned. So we need to broaden our horizons. Yes, I was on a break... I had my family and child as priority. Although I would not call it technically a comeback, I am beginning my work now and I am thrilled people are excited to see me back.

Was it the presence of Farah or Arjun as co-judges that made you comfortable enough to join the show?

Nach Baliye has always had the most esteemed judges ranging from Saroj Khan to Farhan Akhtar and I feel privileged to be on the show. I have never worked with Arjun but I have done many shows with him. He is fun to be with… while Farah is a friend… and the combination of both definitely makes me comfortable. We are going to have a blast and the jodis are in for a surprise this season.

You obviously do not find appearing on television demeaning for a movie star...

The gap between movies and television has really gone down. And reality is the name of the game now. I don't know whether all the reality on display is fake or not fake. But when emotions are so high, the possibility of them being real is very high. And television is another craft of acting. I appreciate and respect TV actors as they put in a lot of hard work and give their shots without many retakes. Today some of them are as big as movie actors. I have also been watching Akshay (Kumar) and Raveena (Tandon) on TV.

How do you rate yourself as a dancer?

I am a complete dance freak. I love all forms of dance. The jhatkas and matkas are my favourites. So I have no one form that I appreciate… I enjoy doing them all.

On what basis will you judge the jodis on Nach Baliye?

As a judge, I am hoping to be extremely fair and honest. The one thing I don't want the jodis to be is demoralised even if they get eliminated after the first episode. I want to give them honest feedback which they can use to come back stronger in the wild card round.

So when is the movie happening?

I'm waiting for the right script. I've got offers from the best production houses and the best directors. But I should have to feel strong towards the script emotionally to give it my best shot… I am hoping something will work out soon.