Why did you accept Indian Idol 4?
I had earlier done Mr And Miss TV, a talent contest for Sony. That was like a dry run. And ages ago, I had done Kya Masti Kya Dhoom. I’m doing Indian Idol 4 because my mother-in-law, the Supreme Court of my house, told me to do so. She is a huge follower of it and when she heard I was offered Idol, she told me to go ahead.

You will be looking for the X-factor…
Yes, but don’t ask me to define it because that’s why it’s called the X-factor. It’s either there in you or not. To me, looking perfect or technically being very beautiful is not X-factor as much as it’s the lines on one’s face or some little flaw. That adds to the character of that person. In fact I have even told the channel guys that they shouldn’t overdo the grooming bit of these contestants because they look good when they are raw and real.

Was it difficult being on the same page as your co-judges - Javed Akhtar, Anu Malik and Kailash Kher?
Not really. I didn’t know them well personally and now after spending enough time with them, it’s been a nice experience. Personally, I don’t like to fight with others or be aggressive about making my point. Fighting doesn’t solve problems. I am stubborn when it comes to putting my point of view across. If somebody asks me for an opinion, I give it without mincing words. So far, it’s all been fun and cordial.

Do you sing?
I can’t to save my life…

Do you think reality shows help former stars to be back in circulation?
I can’t speak for others but to do a show to remain in circulation is certainly not my reason for doing it. I did Kya Masti… when I was very much in circulation. TV suits me. It doesn’t demand much. Shootings happen in a few days and I am back to my son, my family…so as of now, it works for me.

Money is great too?
It is but not great enough (laughs).

Why did you cut your hair?
I don’t know. It was on a whim. I find myself running my fingers through my hair all the time and suddenly stop at my shoulders, wondering where it’s all gone.

Are you getting back to films?
Not as of now. I am not in that mind-space where I can think of long shooting schedules, outdoors etc.

What’s your contribution in your husband Goldie Behl’s film productions?
I just hold his hand like he did while I was having my baby. His films are his babies (laughs aloud).

Finally, your comment on the Jaya Bachchan-MNS controversy.
It was the music launch of my husband’s film, Drona and I know for sure Jayaji’s statement was off-the-cuff. The entire event had become emotional for us as she remembered Goldie’s father and talked about how Goldie was a son to her. She in fact was reprimanding him and Abhishek (Bachchan) for talking in English after having made the film in Hindi.
We were all taken aback when we saw the whole thing blown out of proportion the next day in the media…The Bachchans have apologized and I feel all the parties concerned should just forget it and bury the issue.
Will I mediate between the Bachchans and Raj Thackeray? No, because I am too small a person to get between them. Also, I am clueless about politics. All I wish is everyone should be gracious enough to accept the apology and move on.