| The 'Biggest Loser' is coming to town, and Sunil Shetty's supporting it. Before you get any ideas, The Biggest Loser is an extremely popular American reality show, and Shetty is going to anchor it.
That makes him the latest Bollywood star to make his debut on the small screen. The Indian version of The Biggest Loser will mark not only his small screen debut, but also his first innings as an anchor.
Fetish for fitness
Shetty, who is just back from a family vacation in the US, says, "I see no reason why I should not host such an excellent show. I have seen it in the US and it is huge not only in America but in several other countries.
The series is not only about health and fitness, but about motivation too. That's the most important factor. This will be my way to give back something to the audience. Fitness is something I really believe in."
It is learnt that the license for this formatted show has been acquired by Rahul Aggarwal of Star Entertainments Private Limited, who earlier produced non-fiction shows for television. Aggarwal, who is presently in Germany, says, "At this stage, I would not like to comment about the details till everything is in place."
About the show
The Biggest Loser has a bunch of overweight contestants knocking off their flab under the guidance of celebrity fitness trainers and nutritionists.
Eventually, the 'biggest loser' of weight becomes the biggest winner. The contestant not only acquires a healthier body, but also a hefty cash prize for the trouble.
This NBC show, which began airing from October 2004, kick-started a fitness revolution among the viewers not only in the US but several other countries like Australia, where it has been running for several seasons.
Right cast
Aggarwal says that the unique format of this reality series is an enriching and rewarding experience not only for the participants but for the audience as well. "The journey to gain a new lease on life is the premise of the series, both for the contestants and viewers," he says.
Shetty has been pencilled in as anchor, "not only for his rippling biceps but also for his quick wit and confidence with which he can handle the audience," says a source from Star Entertainment.
It is also learnt that former physiotherapist for the Indian cricket team, Andrew Leipus, is slated to head the panel as the fitness director. A team of medical and fitness experts like Dr Samir Parikh, Dr Ashwin Mehta and Leena Mogre are also on board.
Arun Sheshkumar, who has directed reality shows like Indian Idol and Deal Ya No Deal, has been roped in to direct The Biggest Loser.
It is believed that Aggarwal is in talks with Star and SaharaOne to air the show. |
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