Khamosh! Shatrughan Sinha speaks

Power packed action. That’s what one associates with Shatrughan Sinha. Be it films or politics, Shotgun (as he’s popularly known) has always delivered the punches. The actor and MP, who had earlier hosted The Shotgun Show, returned to the small screen as a judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 4. Tellychakkar caught up the actor on the sets of TGILC 4. Why this shift from politics to laughter on TV? I am on without-pay-leave from the assembly. The parliament has sent me on a break to cash in more popularity and appeal among the masses. It is the way students get study leave to do better in exam. I have an impact in my personality and voice, I have the popularity, then why should I abstain myself from the entertainment industry. Were there any apprehensions before accepting this show? Yes, I was a bit worried as I have made a good name for myself and sustained it over the years. One wrong step can ruin everything. You have to be cautious to sustain the name and respect that you have earned after so much of hard work. What do you think about other reality shows? All of them are rigged. There is no reality in these reality shows. I accepted to be a part of TGILC 4 because it is a genuine show which has given a platform to many talented comedians. Other comedy shows have cropped up but TGILC has been a pioneer. They (other shows) even picked our ex-contestants but mind you those contestants were introduced by us. The comedians who got popular with TGILC were nowhere before this show, now they are minting money. You didn’t allow your wife Punam to act after marriage but now she is back on the acting route with Jodha Akbar. What transpired this change of heart? (Laughs) I was of the view that when she has such a huge responsibility of managing our house, then why would she want other commitments? Besides, she is a homely lady. Never will you see my wife attending kitty parties. She only attends film premiers and few other such functions but that too only in the company of her family. She hardly goes out alone. It is not that I had put my foot down and told her that you are not going to work in films but I was just happy to see her as a homemaker. Is your daughter getting offers to work in films? Yes, she is. There are producers who want to cast her. Some are approaching me for her and some are hesitating to do so. But do you want her to be an actress? I would allow her to become a film actress as long as she maintains the self respect and dignity of the family which I am sure she would. I am sure that all parents give certain leeway to their children but there always is a line which shouldn’t be crossed. Are you a strict father? I am a friendly father but I am particular about following principles and values. I don’t like my children to drink or go to discos. I don’t mean to say that people who drink or party are wrong. It is just that I want my children to live life in a particular way and I am happy that they are doing so. Does your family watch TGILC 4? Not really. At times, they do watch but somehow it does not appeal much to them, may be, because this show targets middle class audience. When they watch it, they do give me their opinions. When they don’t like a particular contestant, they tell me. By looking at my expressions on the show, my kids can make out whether I am impressed or unimpressed with a particular performance. Why do you laugh so less in the show? That is my personality. Besides, it balances with Sidhu’s laughing spree. Would you like to do a show on TV along with your wife? If a nice show on TV comes my way, then I am ready to take it up with any one’s wife. Something like a good talk show will be exciting for both of us to do. I am doing a film which I can’t talk about at the moment. It will be the most privileged thing for me to work along with my wife. If you were in a TGILC contestant’s shoes, what would have been your style of comedy? I can’t be in their shoes. I am a witty person and not a comedian. I am distinct from comedy. What’s next on the political ground? I will contest for the Lok Sabha elections from Patna