NEWSMAKER
‘I’m a livewire’
RESHMA S. KULKARNI
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Having finished with being a judge on TV, Mandira Bedi now checks out the other side: as a contestant on a reality show.
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Photo: PTI
Excerpts from a conversation with Mandira Bedi:
Why a contestant to “Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano”? Tired of playing a judge?
Oh no, nothing of that sort! In fact, I’m anchoring another sports-based show with Navjot Sidhu even as I enter “Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano” (ADMP). Before this, I was offered a lot of song and dance based reality shows but had to refuse because I can’t sing to save my life and, though I love to dance, it’s purely for personal enjoyment. Hence when Star Plus approached me to be a part of ADMP, I jumped at it because it’s a show that will allow me to showcase my acting talents and will also give a chance to revel in comedy.
Do you have a funny bone?
I’m a livewire; someone who has fun in whatever she does and brings fun wherever it’s missing. Also, I do see the funny side of things. I guess these qualities are foremost whilst participating in a programme like ADMP and I have them in ample measures!
Tell us more about ADMP and your role on it.
It’s an innovative show with eight celebrity contestants including Rakhi Sawant, Mahesh Manjrekar, Gulshan Grover who will hoodwink common people, family and friends through various disguises. A candid camera will capture the entire interaction and Gadhashri, an animated character who has replaced the traditional judges, will provide expert comments on each act.
My role is to create the best disguise to be able to successfully hoodwink maximum ‘victims’! What’s more, the disguise will require me to be perfect not only in terms of clothing and physical appearance but also mannerism, and accents — an exercise which is bound to be a great learning experience.
Have you bid goodbye to regular soap operas?
No, what makes you think so? I’m open to doing any kind of television as long as it is a meaningful storyline and a substantial role. I’ve been fortunate to get some epoch-making roles on TV — be it as Shanti or as Mandira in “KSBKBT”. If I get something like that again, I’d be keen to take it up. In fact I’m indebted to TV for making me whatever I’m today — be it through soap operas, hosting or judging. It’ll always remain top priority.
Is that why films were relegated to the backburner in your career graph?
Yes and no. TV has always given me great exposure and dream roles. Not consciously, films have got sidelined vis-À-vis TV because why do I need to do a miniscule role just because it’s on 70mm? I’ve seen many hankering for a two-bit role in Bollywood but that’s not my cup of tea. I have no qualms in turning down film offers that do nothing for me creatively and commercially.
Are controversies another reason to avoid films?
Well, I’ve always been controversy’s favourite child; probably because I do just what I feel like. But, I’m not the arrogant kind to defend my controversy-creating actions if they hurt anybody’s sentiments. So no, controversies don’t faze me or deter me from doing anything, including films. But are you hinting at any particular one?
Well yes, the recent issue about Anil Kumble not being too pleased about his cut-out in “Meerabai Not Out”…
I totally respect his reservations. I’ve always respected him for being a thorough gentleman and I had actually asked the makers to at least run this gimmick through him before releasing it. But my pleas fell on deaf. What’s more, it did nothing for the film because it had no relevance to the storyline. I do not stand by publicising a film by such gimmicks, especially when there’s the name of a senior player like Kumble involved.
Did the film’s failure film disappoint you?
Yes, but I saw it coming. When I saw the finished product, I realised that, having been in making for almost two years, the film looked jaded. I’m my worst and the most brutal critic. I’ve no complaints; I can’t expect the audience to accept something that was so obviously behind time.
When do we see you working with husband Raj (Kaushal) again?
I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon, though Raj has recovered from his heart ailment and is beginning his new project. After making “Shaadi ka Laddoo” we’ve realised that we’re temperamentally ill-suited to work with each other. We might just murder each other with the kind of disagreements we have while working together (laughs)!
Lastly, what’s with your new look?
Not for a project; I’m a restless soul; keep reinventing my look. I either chop off or colour my hair (as I’ve done now, with red streaks) and when I can’t go any shorter, I start exercising to lose weight! My hair is a very short crop now but I’d love to go bald someday! Won’t that be fun?!
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