Exclusive - Maniesh Paul: There was a time when I was rejected as a contestant for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and and now I’m hosting it

Maniesh Paul, who never fails to entertain fans, be with his acting or hosting skills, is back as a host on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10. Maniesh spoke exclusively to ETimes TV at the show's launch and got candid about the show, his bond with judges Madhuri Dixit and Karan Johar. The actor-turned-host reveals how he was once rejected as a contestant on Jhalak and today he is not only hosting the TV show, but is also on the hoardings. Moreover, he talks about the contestants, judges, experience while shooting and more. (Photo: Instagram)

Thank you for saying that Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Maniesh Paul are synonymous with each other. I really feel happy about it. When the news came out that Jhalak will be back with a new season, I started getting calls asking if I will be hosting Jhalak this season as well? and till then I was not aware of who was going to host this season. But finally I am back in Jhalak as a host. We have got so much love from the audience and people love this show. We are excited that it is returning after 5 years. We are coming back with a new energy. (Photo: Instagram)

It feels amazing that there was a time when I couldn’t come on the show as a contestant and now I am the host of the show. Today, whenever Jhalak is made, I get a call to host it. It makes me happy and I’ve realised one thing that hard-work never goes to waste. Whenever you get an opportunity to prove your hard work just give your best shot. (Photo: Instagram)

I am not going to miss any opportunity to have fun on the show. I am very happy ke Mujhe Mauka Milta hai Madhuri ma’am ka pallu pakadne ka and she also joins the fun and it is amazing. (Photo: Instagram)

We have already shot episodes and we are having lots of fun. We will stop having fun while shooting the episodes. The best part is there is never disrespect. Karan sir and I love each other, there’s a lot of friendship and respect for each other. We are not going to disrespect each other. When two friends meet they have lots of fun and that’s what we do. (Photo: Instagram)

Karan sir has an amazing sense of humour and he has never got upset with any of my jokes. He understands humour and he can never get offended with our fun banter. (Photo: Instagram)

It feels amazing that once I wanted to do Jhalak as a contestant but I got rejected and today they have put me on the hoardings. Aur kya chahiye and I feel happy about it. I never take it as anger or on ego. It was my journey and they gave me an opportunity to grow. So I look at it that way and I feel extremely happy. Ek Woh time tha Aur Aaj ye hai when I am getting the opportunity to host the show for the sixth or seventh time. It feels great. (Photo: Instagram)