TV anchoring is real hard work: Farah Khan

Farah Khan, the National Award winning choreographer and director of 2008’s greatest Box Office hit Om Shanti Om who appeared on Television as an outspoken and rather rude reality show judge, who made the contestants tremble in anticipation of what would be her next reaction, and who drew flak from both audience and media many a time for her matter-of-fact, and cutting remarks, is in real life far from the façade that swathes her actual self on camera.Farah is sweet, easily accessible and very friendly. With not an iota of celeb tantrums, she is ready to respond, over phone, to our questions amidst an important shoot! In her first media interview after her debut appearance as a TV show host, she spoke in her frank and unassuming way to Smita Mishra of Spicezee.com about her new role in the much awaited talk show “Tere Mere Beach Mein”, her attempt to balance family and work and her love for Mutton Biryani! Here is an excerpt from the conversation: Farah: Smita, I’m in an important shoot, the entire crew is waiting….what is the interview about. Smita: Well, it’s about you Farah and the new show that you are doing. Farah: But I am very busy right now… Smita: (Disappointed) Ok then tell me the suitable time when I can call you…. Farah: (Whispering) Can you hear me? Smita: (Puzzled) Ya… Farah: Ok, ask… (giggles) Smita: Dance, direction, and reality…what is next? Farah: You didn’t mention direction Smita, my most important work! Smita: I did Farha…Dance…Direction… Farah: Ok Ok…got it…well I have directed two films and plan to do more. I have not yet planned what I will be doing next. Right now all my time is being consumed by my first anchoring assignment on the small screen. Smita: Tell us something about the new show? How did it happen to you? Farah: Well Smita, it didn’t happen all of a sudden. It was on the anvil from quite sometime and we were working on it when I got the offer from the channel and said yes. Smita: What’s better, being a judge or a host? Farah: Being a judge is any day better. There you have to sit, watch, reflect and pass judgement. But here you have to work really hard. Although I have a creative team for my assistance, I still have to research on background, send invites, work on the script and questions and look after the guests and their comfort on the show. Smita: Isn’t that exciting? Farah: It is…but you have to work really hard, yaar! Smita: Most of the stars are your friends and acquaintances. When you see them break down on the show, get emotional and weak, how do you feel? Farah: It’s difficult to remain unaffected by the moods of those whom you know from such close quarters. I am a very emotional person and I really get affected. Smita: You have directed two movies and choreographed for several others. Which is your personal favourite among them? Farah: Now it’s a very difficult question to answer…I can’t…there are so many…. Smita: O Common….that can’t be Farah… Farah: Well I loved Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Jaaneman….being part of them was real pleasure! Smita: Is managing family and work difficult….particularly now when you seem to be so overburdened? Farah: This is the problem with media; they think I am not able to give proper time to my family! I spend 80% of my day with my children; I play with them, send them to play school and help them with their home work. I just shoot for 10 days a month so that I have sufficient time for my family. Smita: In a recent interview you were put off when asked about your health and beauty regimen. Why? Do you think beauty just means being size zero? Farah: No it’s not about being size zero, but don’t you see I am not the right kind of person for answering this question?! I really don’t care about beauty at all. Smita: This can’t be! You will have to share the secret of your glow….! Farah: Ok…I just apply some cream at night before I go to sleep. I think that’s the glow! Smita: Tell us then something about what Farah Khan loves to eat? Farah: I am a staunch non vegetarian and I love Mutton Biryani. Smita: Any new film in your kitty? Farah: Right now I am working on a script. It is still in scripting stage, so I can’t reveal much. Smita: What is it about? What is the star cast? Farah: Shah Rukh is part of it for sure (What did you think!). Rest of the cast will be eventually decided. And Farah had to hurriedly finish off the interview as there seamed to be a mini uproar on the sets demanding her presence, as the shoot was ‘awfully’ delayed.