I will never do TV soaps again: Manish Paul

For someone who started his career as an RJ, talented and witty host Manish Paul will now soon debut in two films in B-Town. Anchoring and hosting shows comes easily to Manish and he effortlessly does a fine job of entertaining the viewers and keeping them glued to the show. Manish also acted in a couple of telly shows, but he got recognition only after he started anchoring reality shows and hosting award ceremonies.In the city recently, Manish found that Amdavadis are amazingly enthusiastic and energetic people. With his sense of humour and simplicity, Manish talks about how his struggles are now paying off in tinsel town. Excerpts from an interview:
Recently, Salman Khan complimented you as the best host in the world. What is your USP?
That was the biggest compliment I ever got. I got goosebumps then, and even now when you have mentioned it again. I was excited to know that I am appreciated so much. Things have changed in a big way for me. I had my hard days too. There was a time when no one gave me the main stage, I was just given the red carpet. They weren’t sure if I could do well on the stage. But today most of my dates are booked.
They say, you make sense out of nonsense. How do you do that?
When you meet me back stage, I am completely blank. But when I am on stage, I change 360 degrees. People are shocked to see a complete makeover. I feel that my talent is a gift from God. In fact, once Sonu Nigam told me, ‘the compliments that you receive aren’t yours, it’s because of the connection you have with God. I feel God exists and he is doing all this good for me.
Most TV hosts follow teleprompters, but you don’t like being restricted by a script. Is that true?
I also use teleprompters, but only for the pointers. I don’t like to read the teleprompters verbatim. I don’t need a script — I try and change the words and sentences on my own. Scriptwriters do a good job, but I like to add my words and people are happy with my style. I need to show some originality when I host a show.
Do you feel hosts need to be cautious about what they talk on stage so that they don’t offend anyone?
I make fun of everyone when I am hosting a show, but I make sure not to hurt anyone. I even make fun of myself. One needs to be careful — he/she shouldn’t cross their limits while making fun of any actor in a show. In the past, Shah Rukh Khan has insisted that I host a show, as they feel that when Manish hosts a show, nothing will go wrong with it.
You have done TV shows like Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi, Pyaar Mein Twist, Chhoona Hai Aasmaan. Are you planning to do any daily soaps soon?
I have done TV serials in the past, but I am not interested anymore. I am happy in the space I have created for myself. I like hosting shows.
You have two Bollywood films in your kitty. One of them is a sequel — most sequels don’t work, are you worried?
I just wrapped up a film called Mickey Virus, where I play Mickey who is a chilled out Punjabi guy. I am a hacker in the film. I am going to start shooting for the sequel of Tere Bin Laden — it’s going be a complete comedy like the prequel. Film sequels might not work, but I belong to live shows and the school of guts. I have never thought whether my film will be a hit or flop. I am here just to entertain people. I will give my best and let the audience and critics decide if the film is a hit or not.
In the past, you travelled in a bus or walked back home to save money, but today you own a lavish car. What keeps you grounded?
I remember my struggling days, whenever I feel I am flying too high. My mom has taught me that there will be highs and lows in life, but you should stay rooted. I have a bag which I used during my struggling days — I still have it with me and the day I feel I am flying in the air, I look at it and remember my past. I belong to a family that taught me success comes and makes you big, but you need to know that you belong to the earth.