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The hostess with a heart

The woman in white is back with the fifth edition of her show

HAUTE HOSTESS Simi Garewal

As a film star, Simi Garewal merely brought a bit of sparkle into the industry.

But as a haute television hostess, she set the stage for many spin-offs (Koffee with Karan, Manish Malhotra Show and Just Pooja) even as she progressed from show to show of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal on Star World. Into its fifth edition, Rendezvous wears a new look. Known for her intimate portrait of her subjects and her gentle tell-all approach, she laughs and cries with them with empathy. Over to a rendezvous — with Simi.

You were a pioneer as far as celebrity chat shows are concerned. Now, there are many shows on the lines of Rendezvous. How do you plan to reinvent the programme this time?

We are not setting out to be different just for the sake of it. This is the fifth season of Rendezvous, so I think we have grown. The guests are different and their stories are different. But the essence of Rendezvous, the personal feel, will still be there. All interviewers have different styles, so there's room for many talk shows, as long as they are original. There's room for all, particularly when the media is growing by the hour. The viewer chooses what appeals to him/her.

About the line-up of personalities...

Besides John Abraham , there's Priyanka Chopra, Zayed Khan's family (that includes his parents and wife Mallika). Oh, that's a wonderful interview! Then, there's Hrithik and Suzanne and many more.

Must be quite a challenge to bring in freshness every time...

Well, each celebrity is different. So it is always a `new' experience for me to get to know a new person. And I guess that's what keeps the freshness and the fascination alive.

What's Simi's style this season?

I didn't think about a new style really for every season of Rendezvous. I tried out a new hairdo and it felt good.

Talking about the sets, what's special?

For this new season we have made some changes to the look of the show with a dash of gold on the sets designed personally by me, but we haven't changed the personal style that is the hallmark of Rendezvous.

Getting into the private lives of important personalities.... what kind of impact does that leave on you? Do the emotions linger even after the show?

It is truly a learning experience — better than all the books I've read! Talking to people, learning how they deal with their lives and relationships, their successes and failures. It is fascinating to get an insight into their minds and hearts. I've really learned so much from them and about them. After an interview is over, it still remains in my mind as I try to put together my impressions of the person. Yes, in some cases, the emotions linger long after the show, and in some others, they just never go away.

You are known for your sensitive approach...

I think sensitivity, respecting a person's dignity is vital. I am there to try and understand the person. How can I do that if I don't care about his feelings?

How different are the solo chats from the ones involving couples?

I often do a solo with my guest, followed by a segment or two when a spouse or family member joins in. It is amazing to see how different the same person is when his partner is around! In most cases, they suddenly relax completely. A few got tenser! Which was in itself significant! But I still believe you can only get to know a person once you meet them with their partner!

About the one with Jayalalithaa...

Jayaji is very cool and intelligent. I think she took just a minute or two to make a quick assessment of me; and after that, she let her guard down. I thought she was wonderful. And there were no strings attached, none whatsoever. She was grace itself. Punctual to the second. And after the interview she laid out a superb tea for my entire crew. We all came away with the highest admiration for her.

Besides Rendezvous, what keeps you busy?

Well, to be honest, while a Rendezvous season is on, there is no other life for me! But as soon as the season is over, my sister and I go off for a holiday abroad. I come back and prepare for the next season. For the last nine years it has been like this.

On what basis do you select celebs? Is there any specific guideline?

They have to have charisma. They have to be achievers in their field. They should be articulate, thinking people. Easy on the eye!

And there should be a natural curiosity about them that would make viewers want to switch on their television sets to watch them. And if they also have an interesting life story to tell, they're perfect for my show.

True, there's a timeless elegance about white. But aren't you bored of white all the time? Does white play a part at home too?

(Laughs) No, not at all! I love white. It's a happy colour for me. Can one be bored of happiness? My home is not all white — but my bedroom is!

By the way, are you looking at more personalities from the South?

I've already had many esteemed celebrities from the South on my show such as P. Chidambaram, A.R. Rahman, Kamal Haasan, Vishwanathan Anand and Jayaji. And I'm always looking for new, fascinating people. Any suggestions?

T. KRITHIKA REDDY

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