Hosting is more challenging: Manish Goel

For TV artist Manish Goel stepping into the shoes of a host was not easy.

New Delhi: For actor Manish Goel, known for his roles in TV serials like `Saara Akaash` and `Kasuatti Zindagi Kii`, stepping into the shoes of a host was not easy.

The actor, who had taken a break from the television after participating in reality show `Zara Nachke Dikha` in 2008, is back on television with Star Plus` religion based reality show `Mahayatra`. The show focuses on the efforts of 12 youngsters trying to fulfil their parent`s dream of visiting the four prime-centers of Hinduism namely Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Badrinath known as the `Chardhams`. Goel, who had to clean shave after a two years for a new look, feels that it is a refreshing change to be working as a host rather than playing a character in a daily. "I think I have done my set of shows. I was looking for a change. Hosting is also part of acting but when you are hosting you have to be yourself. So all your qualities and non-qualities come to the fore. It is a spontaneous and challenging job," Goel told reporters. "Thankfully, I have been spontaneous in my career which has helped me a lot in this show. I knew it was going to be always challenging. But it is something which I always wanted in my career," he added. Asked about his disappearance from the small screen, the actor had no qualms in accepting that he did not get good offers. "In 2008, I dislocated my shoulder while doing `Zara Nachke Dikha`. I was on bed rest for three months. After that the television strike and and recession set in. 2009 saw maximum newcomers coming on TV in all the show which were being launched. So I guess it was not a year for us," said Goel. "We were not getting good offer and I am speaking on behalf of all my friends who have not done so much of work in the last few years. I don`t want to say that I got many offers but could not figure out something better. Very honestly, offers did not come," the actor added. The newcomers are coming on half the salary that was being paid to the experienced actors but Goel is hopeful that the situation will improve. "Newcomers are working on half the price that an experienced actor demands and they are delivering also, they are doing good. But industry is huge and I think there is always space for everyone," Goel said. The actor, who made a name for himself with serials like `Saara Akaash`, `Bhabhi`, `Kasuatti Zindagi Kii` besides participating in dance reality shows like `Nach Baliye` and `Zara Nachke Dikha`, said he is concentrating on `Mahayatra` for the time being. "I have done some eight shows in my career because I like to deliver my best. I will start looking for something new once this show is over," Goel said. PTI