Waiting for a good script for direction: Anupam Kher

Hi, how have you been?

I am good. I am busy as with the second season of my television chat show, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, and my our new play Mera Woh Matlab Nahin Tha. There are quite a few other things that have kept me busy. I am just done with my schedule of shooting for Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo. So, work that is keeping me busy.

The first season of your chat show was much appreciated

Yes, and I am thrilled because the second season too has an equally attractive set of guests. I am sure the second season will be liked by everyone. This show is about talking to people who have interesting stories to share. It’s an inspirational show that will move people. Some of the most popular faces will share stories about their life, people like Madhuri Dixit, Suresh Raina and Anil Kapoor.

How do you draw up the guest list?

(Smiles) That’s the most difficult part. I have a wish-list. Then we start contacting those people. It’s not that every guest I want makes it to the final list. We shoot for a stretch of 15 days, so we check who all the guests are, who can give us dates and then finalise the list. In fact, I wanted to have Amitabh Bachchan in the first season but his dates weren’t matching. So, I wanted to have in the second season and we had similar problem. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have him even this season. I really want to have him because he is one of the biggest inspirations and I am sure his stories will inspire a lot.

Who else you wish to have as a guest?

There are so many but I would have loved to chat with late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Azad because he was one of the greatest inspirations. I feel we don’t get inspired much these days because we don’t think positive. There are so many people in this country from different professions and walks of life, who  are inspirations and we must learn and get inspired by them. I would also have wanted Sachin Tendulkar on the show because he is one of the biggest inspirations our country has today.

A lot of shows invite guests who promote their upcoming films on such shows

This show is not like that at all. We are not doing any kind of cross promotion. It’s neither a game show nor a reality show. It has a simple format where the guests will come and chat and share their stories. It isn’t even scripted because if you are having a hearty chat, then the presentation has to be impromptu.

Your friend Anil Kapoor recently said that every film actor will eventually shift to television

May be, what he is saying is to a great extent true because the reach is vast. However, the challenges too are immense as you have to keep the audience engaged because here they have the remote control in their hand and they can change the channel if they don’t find your show interesting.

You are also doing a new play Mera Woh Matlab Nahin Tha

Yes, it’s a very interesting play. The best thing is that it too takes a look at the positive side of life. So much like my show. So far it has generated a good response and I am happy. We are already getting calls with more shows, which is of immense satisfaction.

You have your hands full. Is it why you are not seen in too many films now?

That’s not the reason actually. I have been in the industry for a long time and have done so many films. Now I have reached a point where I don’t want to repeat myself. That doesn’t give me any thrill. I am only doing films which interest me and are worth doing. I have always loved doing films and I will continue doing so but certainly the frequency will be less.

Any plans of directing a film?

(Smiles again) Certainly I would love to direct but I need to have a good script for that. I am also looking out for a good script and if I come across one anytime soon, I will surely direct a film.