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'I can never hope to be the best TV host'
After hosting hit TV game shows such as Tol Mol Ke Bol and Deal Ya No Deal, R Madhavan is all set to appear in yet another TV show. And yes, he's the host once again.
The show in question is Imagine's new reality show, Big Money -- Chota Parda, Bada Game which premieres on July 10.
The game show is related to anything and everything as seen on television -- soaps, advertisements, news, films etc which gives viewers an opportunity to participate and win a cash prize of Rs 1 crore.
Rajul Hegde caught up with Madhavan to know more. Excerpts:
What brings you back to television?
I agreed to do this show primarily because the concept is interesting. It will be fun to see how a family reacts under pressure.
Another reason is because I have always admired Siddharth Basu (producer of the show).
Is it difficult to host a show?
Big Money is exhausting because I have to interact with the whole family on the sets. It is difficult to deal with different personalities on one show. As a host it is mentally draining. Plus I have to keep the show interesting, under control and also see that viewers are not bored.
Do you find any difference in hosting the show now from back then?
It's not the same; it's a very different world altogether. When I did a show for the first time, there were no screens, no wires; you just started the show.
With the second one, there were wires going into my ears and all that. The new technology is unnerving but exciting.
'Doing a television show is an easy way to earn fast money'
What do you enjoy the most -- acting or hosting?
I can't choose. As an actor, you always play a character and then you have the pleasure to see how people react.
But when you are hosting a show like this, you can't act. You have to be yourself completely, otherwise you won't be able to reach out to people at all.
I have been in the industry for many years and usually meet people from the industry; there is no contact with the common people. For me, it is an opportunity to reach out to my audience and connect with them
Why do you think many Bollywood actors are coming on television?
TV connects you instantly with the audience. Moreover, game shows have a huge viewership from children to older people to those in the interiors. I guess that is one of the reasons why actors are keen to associate with these shows.
Plus it's an easy way to earn fast money. If it works, it is good. If it doesn't work, that doesn't harm the actor in any way.
'I was a part of TV long before Bollywood stars started jumping on to the TV bandwagon'
Most actors who turn to television hosting are immediately compared to the actors who have done it earlier...
It's true that Amitabh Bachchan started the trend of superstars hosting TV shows with Kaun Banega Crorepati, but I have essentially been a TV person.
I was a part of TV long before Bollywood stars started jumping on to the TV bandwagon. I don't want to be compared with anyone or hope to be the best host ever; that position is already taken by Big B.
Who do you like as a host?
I like Amitji (Bachchan) the best. He has something in him due to which he gets every one engrossed.
Do you watch television?
I watch National Geographic and the news.
Do you think the success of 3 Idiots is getting you more offers?
3 Idiots has brought me into the limelight, but I have been getting a lot of TV offers before that too.
What next?
Tanu Weds Manu is almost ready and I will soon be going to Europe to shoot for a Tamil film with Kamal Haasan.