Shah Rukh Khan makes a grand comeback with TED Talks India Nayi Soch says, Mansi Bhansali
Shah Rukh Khan feels he is returning to his childhood as TV talk show host, is having fun and not looking to recast himself in a new way or chase money. Or so he would have us believe. “I don’t know how it happened, but during my childhood, my parents, teachers and friends taught me something that urged me to stay informed about everything. Just like a curious cat, I still want to know everything, ask questions. It pinches me when somebody says a word that I do not know the meaning of. I have this good habit of getting knowledge about all things,” said Khan who, is returning to the small screen after a long six years. He will be hosting TED Talks for the Star TV network.
After Satyamev Jayate, this is Star India’s big attempt to provide a platform for speakers, thinkers and doers, who have questioned the social norms and brought forth cutting-edge ideas. “TED Talks India Nayi Soch combines India’s impressive thinkers and its growing appetite for knowledge with Shah Rukh Khan’s global fan following and Star’s massive reach, and we have a real shot at offering millions of people the empowerment that inspiring speakers can bring,” said Chris Anderson, head of TED.
While keeping all the details about the show — regarding its format, premiere date and people who will appear as speakers under wraps, Shah Rukh Khan said that TED Talks India Nayi Soch will spread love and provide a platform for people to have free a flow of ideas.
“I have always been a fan of TED Talks even before it became big on the internet. I would call this show as the biggest achievement of my life. It’s something I am doing with pride and not for money,” added the actor, who previously hosted shows like India Poochega Saabse Shaana KaunIJ, Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez HainIJ and Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Khan, who delivered his first TED Talk’s speech in Vancouver earlier this year, called Star an amalgamation of all kinds of shows. “Few years back, they started Satyamev Jayate and I think that was a step in the right direction. You take issues that we go through and present them in front of the country so they can understand it and perhaps come up with a solution.”
TED Talks India Nayi Soch aims to capture an eclectic mix of speakers, thinkers and doers, who have questioned norms and brought forth cutting edge ideas. “Television should offer a spectrum of content which includes not just the traditional definition of entertainment but also content that feeds the human passion for knowledge, which stokes curiosity and inspires people. The timing is perfect for me. I am excited by the Star TED partnership as it opens up a world of ideas and truly inspires Nayi Soch,” said Uday Shankar, Chairman and CEO, Star India.
“India has become a key part of my identity. I have a lot of stories to tell related to India. Comparing to earlier times, this country has grown its confidence and become a world power. We are delighted to bring this show to India,” added Anderson.
Khan believes the show will showcase the natural side of him. He said, “Shooting for the show is the most satisfying and lively journey till date. Through the show, I really want to strengthen the power of love amidst the environment of hate, which will get nurtured with these small ideas.” Khan has ensured the entertainment quotient along being a host and further maintaining the authentic quality of the TED Talks.
Claiming that the show is directly from the heart without any monetary gains in mind, Khan wittingly answered about hosting Big Boss someday. With the prime time shows like Big Boss 11 and The Great Indian laughter Challenge hosted by Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, respectively, there will exist the competition for the show. Khan said that he has no plans of competing with the two actors on the small screen as they are doing “wonderfully well.”
“To be honest, Salman and Akshay, what they are doing, they are in the league of their own. I am not even competing with them. They are doing wonderfully well. Having said that, I am not saying that our show is so different that we are not competing on the platform. I feel that this ('TED Talks') really is a different kind of platform where it has a different sensibility. I am not saying what they are doing is old, has been there and done dead. But this show is different and unrelatable.
“I think this will be running in a league of its own and not competing with anyone. It is generally a very hopeful and inspiring show. It will have entertainment. It is not plugged in to get ratings or audiences. The show is about sharing ideas. Hopefully we will be competing with ourselves for what TED Talks has created over the years,” he added.
This is the first time TED is collaborating with a major network to produce a TV series featuring original TED Talks in Hindi.