Having made a name for herself on the national modelling scene, Shonal Rawat now

sets her sights on television. The Calcutta girl hosts Sony’s Champion Chaalbaaz No. 1 (Saturday, 10pm), a reality show for those with ‘ a maha khujli for masti’ in which contestants compete with each other to pull off audacious pranks. A t2 chat with the Xaverian…

With a couple of episodes on air already, how does it feel hosting Champion Chaalbaaz No. 1?

So far so good. Actually the experience so far has been fantastic. The audience has warmed to me and I am having a really good time hosting the show. Champion Chaalbaaz No. 1 has made me realise that I have a flair for comedy and that is something I wish to pursue in future. Most importantly, I have managed to survive so far on the show (laughs).

How did the producers zero in on you for the show?

I have hosted shows like the Bournvita Quiz Contest and MTV Most Wanted earlier so I am not really a newcomer to television. The producers of Champion Chaalbaaz No. 1 had seen the work that I had done on television in the past and thought that I fit the bill. That’s how the show fell into my lap.

Did you have any apprehensions about replacing Mona Singh, who had been hosting the show?

Not at all. Replacements on television are not new nowadays. Mona has her own fan following and she is a good anchor. I have my own style of anchoring. The fact that the audience as well as everyone working on Champion Chaalbaaz has accepted me testifies to the fact that I am doing a good job on the show.

With Cyrus Broacha and Saajid Khan as judges, life on the sets must be one hell of a party…

It sure is. It is actually one hell of a job trying to keep pace with them (laughs). They have everyone in splits throughout the show and are constantly pulling off some gag or the other. But at the same time, both Cyrus and Saajid have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable on the Champion Chaalbaaz sets. It’s great fun working with them.

With you training your eyes on television, will modelling take a backseat now?

Not really. Modelling will always be my first love. It is a profession that has given me fame and I enjoy being a model. Ideally, I would like to strike a balance between modelling and my television assignments.

Isn’t acting the next logical step forward?

To be frank, I have never evinced an interest in films. I am however comfortable with television. However, I really can’t say anything at the moment. As and when such an opportunity comes calling, I will be in a better position to take a decision.