After judging a reality dance show, Urmila Matondkar will host a reality music show, called Waar Parriwar. The show will replace Ambar Dhara.
Waar Parriwar will have families competing with each other. Two members from India's first singing family, Usha and Hridaynath Mangeshkar, will be the resident gurus, who will train the participants. One of the judges will be music composer Ismail Darbar and his wife Ayesha.
Urmila gives Rajul Hegde the details about Waar Parriwar.
What drew you to this show?
To be honest, I never thought of anchoring a show. Anchoring needs a lot of commitment. When I was offered this show, I liked the concept -- that is, music. I don't think there is anyone who cannot relate to music. I have been exposed to different kinds of Marathi and Hindi music, classical music and English songs, since childhood. The idea of different families coming together and performing in a musical atmosphere sounded very interesting.
But I took up this show because of Gajendra Singh. He has established himself with his popular shows.
Does music run in your family?
Yes. My mother's brother is a very good singer. My grandfather took up classical singing lessons and learnt to play the harmonium. Until now, we have been singing only in parties. Now, it will be on screen. I have taken a daring step and hope the viewers will not run away from me (laughs).
Is anchoring tough?
Being a host is about being able to communicate and build up a rapport with the audience. I am who I am today because people have appreciated my work. I don't come from a filmi background. If I have survived for so long, there must be something in me. Let's hope viewers like me as a host.
What will be your level of participation in the show?
As of now, for the first two episodes, there is a script. In the days to come, it will get more personal.
Is it a talent hunt show?
Yes. Whether the participants are professionals is a big question mark. Some of them are singers, who have learned music and some are natural singers. On the whole, they are all very good singers.
You judged the reality show, Jhalak Dhikla Jaa earlier. How was the experience?
It was fantastic! The channel told me that I was the one who was the most complimented. The participants and audience looked up to me. Even Prachi Desai's [who won Jhalka Dikhla Jaa] mother told me I was very good at the balancing act. And that was quite difficult. I had people of my age in the show. I was in the middle of a very delicate situation, as I couldn't hurt their egos. I had to say things without being candy-flossy.
One didn't have any written lines there. It is one's own personality that speaks.
You were disappointed with the results of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.
That was my opinion. I felt Sandya Mridul was very talented and hardworking. But eventually, the audience decides the winner.
Film stars are now making a beeline for television. Any comments?
Everybody is doing their own thing, choosing what interests them. There are different kinds of audiences and they will decide what they want to watch. I cannot speak for others but I enjoyed being on Jhalak. Television is a medium where you connect with viewers instantly.
How will you balance your films and television?
Right now, I am shooting only for Karzzzz.
Waar Parriwar will have 34 episodes and will require my dates for three months only. From August, I will start shooting for films again.
Earlier, you were seen in masala films, but recently, you're doing other kinds of films.
Life becomes interesting when you try different kind of roles. I take up films that I can relate to, and what I am convinced about. I take up roles that I have not portrayed before. [Director] Satish Kaushik feels I should act in commercial films because I am wasting time doing other kinds of films.
How good is the money in reality shows?
Are you asking how much I am being paid for this show? I am being paid very well (laughs).
Waar Parriwar will premiere on April 28. Watch the show on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.
