Ravi Kisan | He is known for his roles in Bhojpuri, Hindi and Telugu cinema. The actor who is hosting Swarn Swar Bharat on ZeeTV speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about the show, how much fun he had among other things
What made you turn a host for this project?
I believed on the concept of the show. My father was priest. I have grown up with the sounds of bhajans, shlokas and shanks. When it came to me, I knew I had to take it up. Nobody had made a show like this before. It is very different from what has been done in the past. It is tough to get sponsors when you do something for the first time. The show has run into crores. I knew the team members and understood that what they were doing and aiming for genuine. I don the hat of Narad here who is the host. The singers here are so amazing. It will offer them a huge platform.
How much fun did you have?
There was plenty of fun. I got to hear some amazing voices. Kailash Kher, Kumar Vishwas and Suresh Wadkar are so brilliant. They have so much experience. The stories about our scriptures one gets to hear are so good. There is so much to learn when you tune in to this show. There are so many stories that are linked with each other and their back stories. It is like the mandir has walked into your home. The show will teach the youngsters how to lead a disciplined life.
Do you think people will watch it given the present kind of music?
Let’s take an example. When Bahubali was being made, the industry thought that Raja Mouli was making a film that would never work. After all who wants to see which is like Amar Chitra Katha. But we all know how much people loved it. This show is similar. We have done plenty of research. The canvas is so big and people will love it when they tune in.
You are a politician and an actor. Are they in clash with each other when you choose a film?
I know that I don’t have to send out the wrong message to the people. But this is true irrespective of the fact that am a politician. Everyone knows that acting is my profession and because of that I am an MP today. My bread and butter comes from acting. My fans want to see me on the 70 mm screen as well. However, I can’t shoot for as many days as before.
You have done Telugu, Tamil, Kannad, Hindi movies besides Bhojpuri. How did this happen?
I am lucky that people love my work. And after Matsya Kaand it has only gone up. Destiny made this possible. I am grateful to people that my films became hits here. The love that I have got from the audience is humbling. I am blessed.
Where does Bhojpuri industry stand today?
I started with Hindi cinema. Then moved to Bhojpuri. What this industry likes is good scripts. I tell people to concentrate on working on good scripts. See how well Tollywood has evolved — from masala to films like Pushpa. Bhojpuri should move in the same direction.
Back to Swarn Swar Bharat, how impressed are you with the level of quality of voice of contestants?
The contestants here are brilliant. Their voice is amazing. It is a pleasure listening to them.