Shalini Saksena speaks with Jamie lever, co-host of Sabse Bada Kalakar, about her journey from being a marketing executive to entertainment industry
Tell us about your experience of co-hosting Sabse Bada Kalakar.
It has seen fun. We recently finished the mega auditions and started shooting the episodes. I have developed a rapport with the kids. They call me Jamie didi; the atmosphere is of one big family. Jay Bhanushali has anchored earlier. But for me, it was something new. There is lot of comedy since comedy is my forte.
Would you not have preferred a platform to perform rather than hostIJ
I began with a performance on Comedy Circus. It was a great to get launched on the show. But for the last couple of years, people have been asking me to host. I wanted to perform but I have come to the conclusion that sometimes, it is better to go with what people want of you. But anchoring comes with a huge responsibility and I hope I live up to expectations.
Is it tough being Johnny lever’s daughterIJ
It is super tough. People expect that since I am his daughter, I will be funny and have a good comic timing. But then, people also want to give me a chance since I am Johnny's daughter. I don’t take the opportunities lightly. Making people laugh is tough and I learnt a lot from my father and uncle. I had to learn Hindi, Urdu, singing, acting and even dancing. laughter in India involves a lot of things — there is a lot of body language with goes with it.
From an MBA in Marketing to the entertainment industry. Why the switchIJ
My parents never encouraged me to enter the industry. For my father, it was a rags to riches story. All his life he has been working. Then comedy happened to him and he got films. He never got the opportunity to study. He wanted to give me what he was deprived of. He insisted that I get a degree; he wanted me to work and gain experience. I was an obedient child and did what was asked of me. I did Mass Media and then went to london to do a Master’s in Marketing. I worked for two years as a marketing executive. Secretly, I always wanted to perform.
My father is very conservative. When I told him what I really wanted, he gave me a go ahead provided I figure it out how to create a path for myself.
Is it easy to be a star kidIJ
I have had to give auditions for every show that has come my way. But yes, it has opened doors for me easily. At least, I got the appointments. I have had to show my work, loose weight and work really hard. I didn't became a star overnight. I have been working for four-five years and it has been a slow process. I am sure it is tougher for those who have no connections.
Wouldn’t getting into films been betterIJ
People prefer films since it is a bigger canvas. It doesn’t matter if it is TV, stage, web or even a play. The platform doesn’t matter if my work is being appreciated for what I am doing.
So you can’t pick one platform...
It will be impossible. When I am anchoring, I am doing stand-up comedy on the side; I am also acting. It is a mix. Hosting is new to me but I am enjoying it.
Do you go to your father for tipsIJ
Of course. Everything I do has to be approved by him. I need to tell him what I am doing. When I got the offer forSabse Bada Kalakar, he told me to take it up. He told me it would be a big show. More so since Jay and I would be running it.