Mouli Ganguly and Mazzhar - Article

Mouli Ganguly and Mazzhar succumb to reality show bug!
by Meenakshi Shankar
Sep 30, 2008, Mumbai

At our last tete-a-tete with Mouli Ganguly at the launch of Sony's new show, 'Aathva Vachan', she swore that she was not going to jump on to the reality show bandwagon. And when we saw her sizzle on the stage with her partner, Mazher, we cornered her to find out what has changed in between!

"Yes. I swore my dislike for reality shows as the shows on air had left a bitter taste. Infact, even now, when I am a part of 'Nach Baliye', I still feel a dread creeping into me. I know it may sound funny, but that is a fact."

At that point, we couldn't help but wonder loudly, wasn't life all about choices? Mazher chipped in and said, 'It is, but the production house assured us that things would indeed go our way." Mouli added, "This is the third time we have been approached and I guess, things just fell into place. I made it very clear that public displays of emotion and dramatics would not be in my package for the show. I would not be party to endless dramatics which are there just for raking in the TRPs."

So, is she confirming the rumours that ask the all important question – Are our reality shows scripted? " No…no…I am not saying anything of that nature. All I am saying is that there are some people who are comfortable with dramatics and some who are not. I belong to the league, which is not comfortable airing dirty laundry for all to see. I am an actress. But my acting skills come alive only where there is a script in front of me."

And like every man who abides by the golden rules for a peaceful relation, Mazher says, "Mouli is a fantastic dancer and she leads the show. I just follow her footsteps." Their sizzling performance has left the audience asking for more. Their chemistry had Farha Khan jocularly say, "Whoa…if this is just the starter, I am waiting to catch the main course."

It all began at 'Aathva Vachan', she says. "The little girl who plays my sister was the one who convinced me to do the show. Like they say, you need that extra nudge to have you rolling down the hill. Well, this little girl convinced me to be a part of 'Nach Baliye'." When asked about the tiring behind-the-scene grind for getting the right steps, Mouli says, "Both of us are going to draw the line. Because, we have other commitments. Mercifully, I am doing only 'Aathva Vachan' for Sony."

Before we said yes to the show, I had a long chat with Mazher. I wanted to ensure his go ahead for the show. He's the most chilled out character, it's only me you would see fuming and fretting.

Newbie reality dance show movers – Karan Vir and Teejay could prove to be tough competition to Mouli and Mazher. But the couple is not really nervous. Infact, they are rooting for Jaspal and Savita Bhatti who are one of the jodis. They are what make this show really special.

The first episode hasn't been canned as yet, but the couple is already working on their moves. Both of them enjoy dancing, but neither has learnt the art in a professional manner.

So, now that the reality show bug has bitten Mouli and her beau, is this the window for many more opportunities to come flying by in? Both the couple laugh and say, "Let us come alive out of the first one!"