From adventure show Roadies to a musical talent-hunt Sitaron..., that’s a surprise...
What makes you think Roadies is all that is to me? Why can’t I be on a music show? Music has always been a passion with me. In India everybody sings and so do I. I also play the guitar, in fact I had my own band in college. That, however, doesn’t qualify me to be a faculty head on a music show. I am here because I am a professional in spotting talent.

Of the talents that you have spotted, who do you think has been the best?
Undoubtedly, Ranvijay. He had the talent, the right work ethics, is not afraid of hard work, is disclipned and above all a genuine person.

Do talent-hunts really help?
No. In fact, I have a huge problem with talent-hunts. These shows, generally, have a panel of experts as judges but the winner is decided by viewers who vote on the basis of language, region and other considerations rather than talent. The first thing that appealed to me about Sitaron Ko Choona Hai is that it has no voting, the judges will have the final say, which is how it should be.

You have a reputation of being rude to the pariticpants. Aren’t they scared of you?
They are. It is again a matter of perception. All the contestants on Sitaron... thought that I am here to scream at them. Initially, they were scared but after a few weeks they have realised that I want them to keep their focus on music, inspire and reprimand them as and when needed. Having interacted with me, they know that if I am harsh, it is justified and have developed a certain amount of trust. I don’t subscribe to the theory that if you are rude to people, you will get the ratings. I know it is surprising coming from me because people tell me that I was the first one to start the trend. But there’s always a reason or logic to what I say. If you focus on abuses you are completely missing the point. In a reality show, the pressures are high and the judges are working in close association with the contestants and there are times when you reach a dead-end with one of them. Nerves are frayed, everyone’s exhausted and there is a possiblity of losing your cool. It is natural.

Who is more tough, you or your brother Rajeev who is now judging Roadies?
Both Rajeev and I have had the same life except for three years when we went our separate ways. He got married and has a kid, whereas I am still unmarried. I have led a more hard-core life, roaming, singing at birthday parties and restaurants. So, while I am less tolerant, he is a little more evolved and spiritual than me.