After introducing shows on dance reality, fiction, and comedy, Imagine has a new quiz show, Gyaan Guru. It caters to the age group of 14 to 80 and was launched a few weeks ago. Based on Indian culture and tradition, every week, it features two contestants, competing for the title of Gyaan Guru and to win a punyaa —in this case, a silver coin weighing almost 200 gm. The show’s host, Shakti Arora, a TV actor last seen in ‘Tere Liye’ on Star Plus, tells us how it has changed him as a person.
Initially, I wasn’t interested in going for the audition. I didn’t even know the names of all the Gods in Hindu mythology. But it was my mother who wanted me to try it, as it was a different genre. Also, I have never anchored before, so that scared me. But I took it as a challenge and worked hard.
Lots of facts amazed me. There is a scientist, Sushruta, who performed brain surgeries without opening the brain. And you collect small facts—for instance, we light a diya to remove the ego and our other bad qualities. I got to know the purpose behind a lot of customs, which we perform daily.
One woman has earned the title of ‘Gyaan Guru’ five times in a row. There are some kids aged 14, who are so well informed about our Hindu culture, that I used to get a complex.
They can even beat the 80-year-old participants.
The show has changed me as a person. I used to overlook Hindu mythology. But the show has made me realise the importance of rituals and customs. It has revived my spiritual inclination towards tarot card reading, numerology and reiki.
'Gyaan Guru’ airs on Imagine on weekdays at 7.30 pm.