Farah Khan’s new role on TV

Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan tells us that while she is on a break from films at the moment, she has her plate full with TV projects. While she will be seen hosting Bigg Boss, there is already another show in the pipeline. “I will be doing a celebrity show in February and yes I’m planning to get Shah Rukh Khan on board. I get good money on TV. I had got a call for Dance India Dance too, but my movie was releasing that time.”

About film projects, Farah says, “I don’t have a script as yet. If someone gives me a script, I may make a film this year. Also I’ve got lovely children to look after, now that they are growing up, the involvement is more.” So any plans to work with the other Khans, Salman and Aamir? “No such plans. I’m happy working with one Khan (SRK). I’ve done songs for others of course. The day I make a film with both Salman and Shah Rukh, I will have no money left for myself. That will be my small budget movie.”

Being the only woman director in the Rs100-crore club, Farah is proud of her feat. “The men don’t like you in that club but then they keep saying women can’t make big movies, our movies don’t earn money. Films have nothing to do with gender. People will run commercial hits down, but that’s because they haven’t had any. A big commercial hit goes a long way, it gives a lot of economy not just to those who made it but to others in the industry as well.”

Farah will be taking Salman Khan’s place as host of Bigg Boss new series Halla Bol. Those are big shoes to fill but the director says she isn’t even trying to compete. She says, “The team of Bigg Boss had been calling me up to recommend people for the show, Dolly Bindra and Sambhavna Seth were sent by me. I think because I’m frank and know the ins and outs of the show I was selected to replace Salman... Even if Narendra Modi was replacing Salman there would be comparisons, so I’m prepared for that.”

Salman has often been accused of being a biased host. Farah defends him, saying, “What works for Salman is that he is very human about it. He doesn’t do it in a cold and calculated manner. He says whatever is in his heart. So if he is looking biased it’s because it’s human to have a favourite, to dislike somebody. At times I used to call him up and ask, why did you say this to a particular person and why didn’t you say something to the other one.

If you are not objective about it and make it more personal, it works for Bigg Boss. Whether or not I will be biased depends on how contestants behave. I used to have Bigg Boss parties in my house, where everyone would come, watch together and give their opinion. That is how I plan to host, like being an audience member myself.”