'I design my show according to my guests'- Simi Garewal

What is your line of research before you interview the person?
Well, in 'Rendezvous' I would research everything about the person; almost from the time they were born! I could write a thesis on them! I'd read up, talk to people, I'd do whatever it took to know about them; because that show was very in-depth and comprehensive. In Simi Selects India's Most Desirable – my focus is simpler – it's getting to know the different facets of the person – but within the focus of 'desirability'.

The show is about India's 'most desirables'. What are the traits you think one must possess to be 'desirable'?
They would need to have the whole package! That means they would have to be single and eligible. They would have to have glamour, beauty, sex appeal, life-style, and talent – everything that makes people look at them as 'objects of desire'.

How difficult is it to ask very personal questions on camera to your guests since you know them personally?
I design my show according to the guests. There are some who are happy to talk about their personal lives, some not. So I see how it goes. I don't really look at my questions as 'very personal', I look at them as my way of getting to know and understand the person.

Unlike your last show, Rendezvous, which had people of all ages being interviewed, this show is about youngsters. How difficult is it to interact with the youngsters and read their mind?
I don't really see any difference. Even in Rendezvous I interviewed a lot of young people and felt very comfortable. The difference here is that my guests are all young and they are the new generation. They don't have 'image' hang-ups. They speak freely and are very intelligent and smart. Reading minds of any age is not difficult – they are all human beings. They all have feelings. 

Who is the one celebrity you have enjoyed interviewing most and why?
I cannot pick one from140 Rendezvous, from my documentaries, or from SSIMD. Every one brings their own personality to the show. And truly, it may sound cliched, but I really enjoy getting to know each person for their own special individuality and uniqueness.

You are known to have a fascination with white. Why? Is there any other colour you like?
Yes, I really do love white. Ever since I was a little girl, my favourite party dresses were always white. I feel 'happy' when I wear white. If I happen to get attracted to designs in another colour, I buy them, but they remain in my wardrobe, unworn. I also like cream and ivory as colours, but they are extensions of white really.

You are wearing Anamika Khanna's designs. How do you find her as a designer and have you worn her clothes before? Is there any sensibility which is common between you two?
I had never worn Anamika before my show, but I had admired her clothes a lot. In fact I have filed up lots of her designs from fashion shows in my computer. I had made up my mind that when I do my show I would ask her to design for me. I love the look she has given me. It's feminine and trendy and has her unique Anamika stamp! But let me add, getting to know Anamika has been one of the nicest experiences for me. She lives in Kolkata, I in Mumbai and yet she has always accommodated me, designing specifically for me and getting me clothes in time. She is a kind, gentle, fabulous person and I love her. 

You are known a style diva. What is style for you?
I really never looked at myself as a style diva or fashionista; I wear the style that I feel suits me the best. You have to 'feel good' in what you're wearing! I like classical lines. I don't go for bling or the latest hot trend because that gets outdated quickly. I prefer the elegant, understated look that endures.

What do you do to keep yourself so young? What's the secret?
There is no secret! I don't do anything unusual. Most women today look good and take care of themselves and so do I. I work out regularly, I don't drink alcohol and I watch what I eat. But then I've done that all my life. 

You wear so many hats – actor, producer, TV host, and writer. Which role is closest to your heart?
You would be surprised to know the hat I enjoy the most is actually one you haven't mentioned. I enjoy editing. But truly the whole creative process is fascinating to me, from writing to directing. It gives me a high like no other! 

Do you think your sophistication stopped many filmmakers from casting you in regular roles?
I think you may have hit the nail on the head! Maybe it was my westernized sophistication. But then that didn't stop a Satyajit Ray from casting me in the role of an Adivasi – did it? Unfortunately, many directors tend to follow the easy route; they cast according to 'image'. Sad, but true…