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Reality shows seem to be the
latest punching bag for most critics today. They are not producing the
talent they promised, they are rigged, they over dramatise simple
things — there are plenty of allegations against reality shows — the
unlikely successor of saas-bahu soaps in terms of TRP ratings.
However, there is no denying the fact that it has given rise to a whole
new career of hosting these shows, and most of the erstwhile
participants (Meiyang Chang, Rahul Vaidya, Debojit Saha et al) are
making full use of it. Apart from these fresh faces, veterans like Aman
Verma, Mini Mathur, Mandira Bedi have also been hosting these shows to
add to the glamour quotient and also to stay in the limelight. The
latest addition to this list is RJ
turned-cricket-commentator-turned-Tamil-film-hero-turned-reality-show-host
Shiv Pandit.
Before you start wondering why the name rings a bell, let me tell you
that Pandit was one of the most popular hosts of last year's IPL
tournament and shot to fame with his casual yet insightful comments.
This year, he is being seen on Sony, hosting its popular dance-based
reality show Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. But why suddenly a reality show? "To
be very honest, this offer came my way without me having to try for it.
And Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa being such a popular show there was no reason
for me to say no," explains the host who is back on television after
IPL and a stint in the serial FIR.
Pandit is co-hosting the show with television glam-doll Shweta Tiwari,
known for her tantrums on the sets. Is it difficult working with
someone like her? "Let me clarify that I have had no problem with her
till now. We have had a very good working relationship and there is no
reason why it should not continue," says Pandit with a smile. He adds,
while discussing the topic of stars throwing tantrums on sets, "One
advantage of working with me is that I am very thick skinned. I do not
care if someone talks to me on the sets or not. I guess all of us are
in this for professional reasons and as long as that is maintained I am
fine."
Shiv Pandit has also been in the news for his Tamil film Leelai. The
film, produced under the banner of Oscar Films and directed by V
Ravichandran has been one of the most talked about Tamil movies in the
recent past. Pandit is playing the male lead in the movie opposite
Manasi Parekh of 'India Calling' fame. "Leelai is a romantic comedy
where I play the role of a guy who takes every one for granted till the
time he meets his lady love (being played by Manasi) in office. The
film is about how his life changes after that," informs Pandit who
refuses to divulge anything more.
But wasn't it difficult for him to work in a Tamil film? "It was very
difficult. Particularly the language barrier. It was one of the biggest
obstacles I had to overcome. I remember when everyone else would take a
break during the shooting, I would sit in my area and mug up dialogues
for the next shot!" he admits. |
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