Genelia to host a show based on slum kids

Your film career is going so well,why television all of a sudden?

Zarina Mehta and Ronnie Screwvala of UTV are good friends of mine and they came to me with the concept. When I heard what they had in mind I couldn’t refuse it because the concept is amazing. It’s nothing like a reality show. There’s no prize money; it’s about fulfilling a dream. It’s a show with a heart.

Won’t this come in the way of your film career?

Not at all. I’m going to be in the slum for 12 hours a day for 13 days. The time is not going to clash with any of my film shooting.

So what’s your role on the show?

On paper,I’m hosting the show. But I want to be much more than just a host. I’m going to be a friend and guide to all the youngsters on the show. If they want to talk about something or need advice,I’ll be there for them.

Would you be able to survive as one of the participants?

I really don’t know what I’d do if I was offered to be a participant. These youngsters have a lot of courage and I’m not sure if I would be able to do it. But I would certainly think about it and might consider it.

So are you very high maintenance? Would you be able to survive without any luxuries?

I’ve struggled for years to get where I am. Before this,I wasn’t living a very privileged life. Even right now if you strip me of my luxuries,I’ll be totally ok. The only thing I can’t survive without is my cell phone.

Do you enjoy your bubbly teenager image or are you trying to move to a mature look?

I don’t want to do anything consciously to get rid of that image. I love it. I haven’t grown up as yet; when I do then I’ll think about changing that image.

Any more television shows in the line-up?

I never thought about doing television before this. I got this chance so I took it but I don’t know if I want to continue. I guess it depends on the offers that I get. I haven’t got anything else on the charts as of now.