Actors have a different physiology and mindset-Mahesh Bhatt

Mahesh Bhatt (Interview)

You’re a talk-show host in Balaji’s C Kkompany . How did you opt to face the camera?

It was no earth shattering decision, but a spontaneous one. It was when a new director, Sachin Yardi approached me… He was a little hesitant at first, but his endearing nature and warmth made me agree. He told me that he needed me to play a talk show host, the character needed to have that extra sheen…

How was the experience?

I really wouldn’t have opted to do something like this, because to begin with, I have no time, second, I don’t have the discipline to memorise lines. I thought it would be painful, but it was quite pleasant.

You’d do a cameo again?

I’ve done it this one time for C Kkompany. I doubt I’d do it again! I’ve been in this line for a long time now, long enough to realise that Actors have a different physiology and mindset. They are made up of different stuff. And I just don’t have that.

But you’d make a good talk-show host, don’t you think?

It has become a fiasco! Everyone is into the business of myth-making, what I’d be interested in is demystification. It’s very rare that you come across conversations of great substance and meaning. If I were to be a talk-show host, mine would be more of a ‘say it as you live’ show. I want a show without make-up, but everybody is scared to disclose their foibles and frailties to the world.

The one person you’d like to have as guest on your show…?

Laloo Prasad Yadav! He’s a successful politician and the only Indian who is unafraid to reveal what he is really all about. He has an authentic air about him and brings with him the fragrance of the soil.

The one question you’d ask the following celebrities on your ‘supposed’ talk show:

Amitabh Bachchan : How can you be a participant in your own mythmaking?
Shah Rukh Khan : How does it feel to be Shah Rukh Khan in this lifetime?
Kareena Kapoor : How did it feel when the chips were down?
Aishwarya Rai : How do you carry the burden of beauty?
Salman Khan: Why don’t you live more dangerously?