How did the association with Colors Infinity happen?
It was an interest from their side and an even bigger interest from my side! I have done films and endorsements so far, but it’s special not only to make my TV debut, but to be on the creative panel… be the co-curator of a channel. It’s something that very rarely in life will you get an opportunity to do. I was quite shocked to know that people want to know my opinion about what TV shows need to be aired… I was like: ‘Whaaatt?! I never thought anyone would be interested in my opinion about anything!’ (Laughs out loud) In this case, what I always thought was a ‘con’ for me — which is my age — actually became a ‘pro’. Colors Infinity thought that I represent the youth and I am the voice for what India’s young generation wants to watch on TV. They asked me: ‘What do you feel will work?’ And I gave them my opinion that, to them, felt like a fresh perspective and something they hadn’t thought of before.
What kind of TV shows do you like watching?
I feel TV is now in a different league altogether, but there’s always been a lack of international content on our screens. My whole family — my mom (Soni Razdan), my dad (Mahesh Bhatt), my sister (Shaheen) — we all like watching American TV shows. I am completely hooked to Orange is the New Black… I have always downloaded and watched it. I am a borderline feminist, so I love watching shows where women call the shots. The Royals is also gripping… very edgy. Now with Colors Infinity coming in, it won’t be just one episode a week… I can watch three episodes at a go, which, I feel, is huge! And, oh yes, I also like watching our desi reality shows.
With your packed schedule, do you actually get time to watch TV?
No, that’s the problem… I don’t have any time. But when I do have time and switch on the TV, most of the time I don’t find anything worth a watch. But with this channel coming in, I am sure there won’t be a dearth of good shows to watch. After all, I have picked them myself!
So, at home, do you guys fight over the TV remote?
That’s exactly why all of us have our own TVs in our rooms. You know my dad… he always wants to watch the news! My mom has her own roster of TV shows… my sister likes watching romantic stuff, while I am into thrillers. But once in a while, we do sit together and catch a show.
You have co-curated the channel with Karan Johar. Did you always agree on what content to include or were there disagreements?
The best thing about Karan is that he is always very open to other people’s thoughts. If someone asks him to try something out, he will give it a shot at least once. Karan, in fact, has watched more of Orange is the New Black than me. He’s quite cool that way. Just because he’s older doesn’t mean he isn’t in tune with new stuff (laughs).
You said you enjoy watching reality shows. Will we see you ever being a part of one, as participant or judge?
See, judging will be too much for me… I am too young (Alia is 23) and if I tell someone, ‘Do this, do that’, they will shut me up with, ‘Oh, you don’t know anything!’ (Laughs) What I am doing with Colors Infinity is probably the closest I will get to doing anything on TV right now.
What’s happening on the film front?
Well, my only release this year will be Shandaar (directed by Vikas ‘Queen’ Bahl and co-starring Shahid Kapoor) which hits screens on October 22. I am currently shooting for Kapoor & Sons (with Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan), and have just finished Udta Punjab (co-starring Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor). Next year, I will have many more releases than this year. So that has me excited.
Speaking of Shandaar, what’s your message for new groom Shahid Kapoor?
Oh yes! I am soooo happy for him. Lots of love to Shahid… huge congratulations. I just feel bad that they can’t go on a holiday right now because we will be stealing him away from Mira (Rajput) to promote Shandaar (laughs). I am looking forward to meeting Mira.
Priyanka Roy
Which show are you looking forward to on Colors Infinity? Tell t2@abp.in
