Television is the best medium to introduce your real self – Arjun Rampal

An extract of an interview with Arjun Rampal by Rajnee Gupta

Television is the best medium to introduce your real self – Arjun Rampal
After entertaining viewers by portraying interesting characters on silver screen, Arjun Rampal is now ready to enter the world of television. The actor would be taking on the chair of a judge in Star’s reality show Nach Baliye 4. The other judges appointed for the show are Karishma Kapur and director Farah Khan. Let’s hear from the model-turned actor what he thinks of his new role as a judge.

Q. What’s the reason that you opted to appear on television via Nach Baliye 4?
A. There are many reasons. First of all, in India, television is the best medium to introduce your real self in front of the viewers. Secondly, my production company is planning to make shows for television so it would serve me as an opportunity to understand the likes and dislikes of the audiences. Third and most important of all is time. I am not forced to compromise with my film schedules as the show isn’t taking much of my time. I am trying to experiment by working on television. Maybe I would start loving it or it can happen that I would start hating it.

Q. Have you been offered any other reality show before this one?
A. I was asked to host Bigg Boss 1, which I rejected.

Q. You just mentioned about your production house. Can you share the kind of shows you are planning to make?
A. It could be a reality show or a fictional one. But whichever show is been made under my banner would surely have entertainment value attached to it. But at the moment let’s just speak about Nach Baliye.

Q. Many a times, judges get angry due to the SMS phenomenon in reality shows. Are you ready for it?
A. This is a very popular show and I believe the viewers to be the ultimate judge. As the critics give ratings to our film, likewise even we would be rating the participants but it would be the viewers would give the final verdict.

Q. Personally, how would you rate yourself as a dancer?
A. If I get a better dance director then I too emerge out to be a better performer. I love free style dancing.

Q. According to you, who is the best dancer in tinsel town?
A. Amongst the actors, Hrithik Roshan is the best dancer. I believe he even stands out on the international platform. And if we talk about actresses, I like Aishwarya, Sridevi and off course Madhuri.

Q. Farah Khan says that she has convinced you to judge this show…
A. No, she didn’t convince me as I was always convinced to be the part of this show. Farah just conveyed me that Star people want me to be the part of the show. So, I had a meeting with the Star’s team and was really impressed with them.

Q. What do you love watching on television?
A. I don’t know what would Star people would think but mostly I like to watch discovery channel. I tried watching Bigg Boss but within few days itself, I felt that it’s not my cup of tea.

--SAMPURN