Chit-chat with Shonali

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Shonali Nagrani has joined Parizad Kolha Marshall as an anchor of 'Laughter Challenge' season three. While Parizad will be anchoring the shows on Fridays, Shonali will handle it on Saturdays. She says that she loves anchoring and is also keen to do films. In a recent tÊte-À-tÊte, Shonali reveals more about 'Laughter Challenge 3' and the reason behind the success of the show.

How excited are you being a part of 'Laughter Challenge'?
I'm really excited to be a part of such a successful and established show like 'Laughter Challenge'.

Earlier too, you had anchored shows like 'Popkorn' and a cricket show. So, do you want to cash in on anchoring?
I like to do anchoring, so I do it. Moreover, I do not want to do acting on television, but I would love to do films later. As of now, I will be going abroad for a vacation. I want to unwind and then prepare myself for the shoots. Moreover, I need some time to prepare for the movies.

What else have you done apart from anchoring?
I was a Miss India contestant and have done ramp modeling. After that I have also walked the ramp for the top designers in Delhi.

Earlier, you have worked with Perizaad. So is it making things easier for you this time?
Yes, I have worked with Perizaad in Zoom and I'm really happy that she is my co-anchor. It surely does make things easier for me.

How is it working with Siddhu and Shekhar considering that they are veterans in their field?
I have worked with Siddhu earlier during the Champions Trophy when I used to host the show. At that time, we shared a good rapport. Let's see what happen this time.

Are you looking forward to shoot with them?
We have already shot for six episodes and it was a good experience. Actually, when you have people like Shekhar and Siddhu around, you have to be on your guards. They are so prompt that you have to be alert. It also makes things a little different with hundreds of eyes watching as the show being telecasted on national television.

You were also offered Zeher, why did you turn down the offer?
No, it is not so. I had signed for Zeher, but at that time things did not work out.

Have you been following the pervious two seasons?
I had followed the first season, but could not follow that last season.

Are you a witty person too?
People say that I'm a witty person, but I do not want to use my sense of humour among people. I do respond to the jokes and shayaris of Shekhar and Siddhu, but I keep them simple.

Why do you think 'Laughter Challenge' is so successful?
I think in today's world where there is so much crime and unhappiness that people crave for light shows. 'Laughter Challenge' gives the people the much-needed dose of laughter. It is like a break to them. I guess it is also because laughter is the best medicine.