**~NEW**--SHILPA TO HOST A TALENT SHOW

Shilpa Saklani, better known as Ganga of Kyunki, has been forced to take a break from her serial. No, her role in the popular daily has not come to an end. But after the generation leap three months ago that brought a whole new set of characters in the story, Ganga has been out of focus since then and it came as a golden opportunity for Shilpa to be away from the arclights after four years of continuous shooting.

"I needed this break because after three years of doing Jassi my dear hubby Apoorva also got a break and we decided to take this opportunity to spend a lot of time together," says the actress who was not keen on doing any television show but has however, agreed to host a talent hunt show called Mera Star Super Star on Star Plus.

"This is really an exception because I believe in the concept," says Shilpa. "It's a talent hunt show for kids with a difference where three kinds of talents – acting, singing and dancing — will be judged in 10 preliminary rounds and five semi-finals. The finals will have three contestants and the winner, an actor, singer or dancer, will get a scholarship of Rs. 5 lakh which will go towards funding the child's education. What appealed me most about the show is the concept of encouraging kids to showcase their talent and excel. When I heard the concept I was game for it."

She admits that she is absolutely raw as far as anchoring is concerned. Having never hosted a show, not even a channel award function, Shilpa says she is aware of her limitations. "I know I am a novice in this area but I am sure that I will not put myself to shame. I have confidence and I think in a way acting does prepare an actor to do a decent hosting job, if not an excellent one. I know I am average but I will carry myself through the show," she claims.

Her claim to fame is of course Kyunki and she will be back after the new generation tracks settle down. "Ganga was conceptualised by Ekta. I think Kyunki is a blessed show. It has so many characters but no character has gone unnoticed. Even if I am not there for a few months I am still known and remembered as Ganga," smiles Tulsi's good bahu who is now busy playing good wife to Apoorva.

"Ever since our marriage we have been working and working with little time for ourselves. Now we are making it up for all the lost time and opportunity to be with each other. It feels like a holiday even if you are at home with your loved one. You are totally at peace with yourself."