Monday, August 2, 2010

Reality check




Actor Namit Das turns reality show host with Channel [V]’s Axe Your Ex

Actor Namit Das, who made his debut in Bollywood with The President Is Coming and followed it up with Wake Up Sid, is now being seen as a host on Channel [V]’s new reality show Axe Your Ex. He acts as the mediator between the contestants, who want to seek revenge against their former boyfriends or girlfriends, and the public. The actor, who was earlier seen in Zee TV’s Pancham, is hosting a reality show for the first time. He says, “It was purely luck by chance. I had hosted a show for NDTV Imagine Showbiz two years ago. The show’s producer shifted to Channel [V]. He called me and asked if I would be interested in hosting Axe Your Ex. I jumped at the opportunity.”

Apart from the concept, what prompted Namit to take up the offer was the platform to reach out to a wider audience. “Axe Your Ex has an emotional quotient and is also funny. As a presenter, it would give me a chance to tread new grounds. The timing is also interesting as Channel [V] is revamping itself. So it’s the perfect platform for me to connect with more viewers,” he explains.

The actor admits he feels good to provide people with the opportunity to seek revenge. But he’s quick to add that this new show doesn’t promote revenge. “There are two parties in the show, the offended who has been dumped unceremoniously and the offender who has broken off the relationship. Usually the offended doesn’t get a chance to confront the offender during a break-up. This show provides them with the opportunity to confront them and provide the perfect closure.” He, however, clarifies that the events are in a funny vein and not voyeuristic in nature.

Initially, Namit was apprehensive about his stand in the show. He says, “Earlier, I had thought that I would have a matter-of-fact tone and be slightly disconnected with the happenings. But after much contemplation and discussion with the channel authorities, I decided to be the sutradhar, the friendly anchor, who supports the contestant seeking revenge. Viewers will see the show through my eyes.”

Surprisingly the artiste too in his own way had sought revenge from his ex-girlfriend, who had left him to be with someone else. After she was dumped, Namit asked her out and while she was crying, he reminded her how he had felt the same way when she had ditched him. “It was more like a confrontation. At that time, if I had the national television’s support, I would have taken full blown revenge.”

Things seem to be looking up for the performer who is also acting in two plays, The Shahenshah Of Azeemo based on The Wizard Of Oz and Hamlet The Clown Prince. But Namit, who started off his career with theatre, says candidly that he is not taking up any new plays as theatre has taken a backseat due to time constraints. He will also be seen in Deven Khote’s Phillum City with John Abraham and in Pradip Sarkar’s Lafange Parinde with Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone. “I have got different character-driven roles in both the films. My co-stars right from Ranbir Kapoor to Neil Nitin Mukesh have always been very encouraging and supportive. It feels nice to be a part of a changing industry where everyone works as a unit.”

Quiz him if he has a secret wish list of directors he wants to work with and Namit says, “I’m open to working with anyone who has a story to tell and gives me an opportunity to explore myself.”

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