HT [M] - Actors turn cooks - Ram

Ram Kapoor to host a new cooking-based show that will be shot in celebrity homes

Rumours about actor Ram Kapoor's plans to quit his hit TV show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, to make time for films have been doing the rounds for a while. But now, the actor has surprised everyone with his decision to host a new cooking-based celebrity game show.

"Sanaya Irani, Karanvir Bohra, Aman Verma, Ragini Khanna, Sara Khan, Vindoo Dara Singh, Nigar Khan, Nauheed Cyrusi and Debina Bonnerjee Choudhary are some of the actors who have been confirmed for the show so far," adds the source.The international format has been adapted for Indian audiences by Life OK. Reveals a source, "The Indianised version will be called Welcome — Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki. It is being produced by Miditech." The show's USP will be that it will be filmed in celebrity homes.

Producer Nivideth Alva confirms the news, saying, "The international format doesn't have a host, but we signed Ram because he's a fun guy. Audiences always want to know more about celebrities. And the fact that it will be shot in the actors' homes will be an added incentive for those who want a peek into their favourite stars' lives."

The non-scripted show will go on air on January 19 at 10 pm, replacing the show Saubhgyavati Bhav.

Revealing more about the show's concept, Alva says, "Five celebrities will feature on the show every week. One of them will host the dinner and will be judged by the other four on the quality of food, entertainment value and hosting skills. The winner will be declared based on the points that they earn."

The format has been running successfully in the UK, Canada and Australia.