Malaika Arora Khan

"I don't think I will ever do a TV soap!" For long, she was the Chhaiya Chhaiya girl, the ultimate in item numbers. As MTV veejay, she's left her mark and now wants to infuse Sahara Manoranjan with some chic attitude on a celebrity style show. Malaika Arora Khan speaks out on why TV enthuses her more than films, her loves and hates, and more… Why did you leave MTV? I worked for MTV for eight years. It was the right time to move on. There are so many opportunities to explore. Do you miss it? Yes and no. MTV gave me an amazing platform and made me aware of a lot of things. The experience was excellent. It gave me an opportunity to be comfortable in front of the camera, a chance to travel and meet a variety of people. What made you take up the Sahara offer? What's so unique about it? It was a great offer. I have done style based shows, I have been an agony aunt but to have your own celebrity based show, which involves interaction on a one to one basis, is a different experience. The show is not studio based. It's a spontaneous show where I go and meet the celebrity in his/her surroundings. The show is in Hinglish and should go on air by the first week of September. Is your Hindi as fluent as your English? It's a fact that my shows so far were all in English. Hindi is a different medium. But I am quite comfortable in Hindi. Who do you think is the hottest veejay on air today? No one. But I really enjoyed working with Cyrus Broacha. We shared a great rapport. Will you take up an offer of something like "Extraaa Innings" which Mandira Bedi did for Max? I am very much inclined towards sports. I enjoy lawn tennis, football and cricket. In fact, my entire family loves sports. I would surely be open to sports related offers on TV. What if you are offered a title role in a TV soap? I don't think I will do a TV soap. But of course, I "never say never". It depends upon the offer. I would prefer travel- related or interactive programmes. Why haven't we seen more of you in films? I was always occupied with television and modelling assignments and did just a few item numbers and music videos. I was never serious about films, although I kept getting offers. Now of course, I am seriously considering films too. How do you feel being part of a well-known Bollywood family and yet maintaining a high individual identity? I am blessed to be a part of illustrious family of Bollywood. There are no restrictions and they let me pursue whatever I want. How do you manage home and career? It's a matter of time management and right delegation. Also, I have a very good support structure. My husband, in-laws and parents are very co-operative. I do what I love and love what I do. What else are you up to these days? I am going through scripts to decide the film I want to do. I am in talks with some companies - I may shortly sign on as a brand ambassador of a high profile beauty line as well as a watch brand. I want to start my line of clothing and also intend to open a restaurant. There's so much to do!