Our’s is a country where television is ruled by reality shows like Jhalak Dikhla Ja and Comedy Circus. And the weekend, Colors rolled out the fourth season of its popular reality show, India’s Got Talent. If you haven’t seen it yet, it has four jury members travelling to towns and cities across India in search of talent (in any field, including music, dance, puppetry and more). There is no age limit and the winner receives a cash prize of Rs 50 lakhs and a Maruti Alto. We caught up with Malaika Arora Khan who has replaced Sonali Bendre in the jury line-up that includes actress Kirron Kher, Karan Johar and Farah Khan.
On her toes
“The show is nothing like what I have attempted before. It’s a different connect. You have aam janta who are not just from the metros. They come down from small towns, bringing their life stories and culture. You get to learn so much,” shares Khan, adding that the show keeps her on her toes, “That’s what I love about it.” She also believes that a reality show judge has to be spontaneous to keep the show alive, “You have to seize the moment and make the most of it.”
Humour, the differentiator
The dance diva is aware that comparisons will be made with her predecessor, Sonali Bendre. “Each of us has our own style of entertainment and USP. I bring another dimension to the show with my brand Malaika and my sense of humour,” opens up Khan, who has earlier judged dance reality shows Zara Nachke Dikha, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and Nach Baliye. She feels it’s “unfair” to ask her to pick out her favourite, “Each one is different. India’s Got Talent is a different ball game altogether.”
One of a kind
Khan can’t stop talking about the camaraderie she shares with her co-judges. “We are having a fantastic time. What is important is that each of us is very different in the thought process. It will be boring if we think alike.” The ‘Munni girl’ is a telly freak as she loves watching Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, Bigg Boss, The Newsroom and Glee. “Friends is my all-time favourite,” she tells us. The former VJ was recently on the cover of Wendell Rodrick’s book The Green Room, launched last month, and says the feeling was “a little more personal”. “When somebody writes a book and wants you to be on the cover, it’s a huge compliment,” she concludes.
India’s Got Talent airs on Colors at 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.