I am the highest paid poet in this country - Shailesh Lodha

We have seen Shailesh Lodha making people laugh through a host of projects offered to him. He has done it all – whether it is essaying the sutradhar in SAB TV’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, or as anchor of his recent show Waah Waah Kya Baat Hai, or by way of his fabulous poetries recited at various events or as writer of some interesting books. The multi-talented actor talks about his journey in this industry. Shailesh started his conversation saying, “Generally, when people come to Mumbai, they have to search for work. I was very lucky in this case as I came with a work in hand. 14 years back, SAB TV saw me hosting poetry on a stage show and then offered me to host a show called Waah Waah. Poetry is in my blood. I have been doing this from the age of 7 and I can say that I am the highest paid poet in this country.” Commenting on his show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah being such a hit amongst the audience, he proudly stated that the history of Indian Television is incomplete without Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Speaking about anchoring, Shailesh further shed some light as he expressed his dislike towards the shows being anchored these days. “The anchors you see at award functions today are not anchors. They are telly prompters. Anchoring should be impromptu. While I anchored Waah Waah Kya Baat Hai, I did not have a script and I was never prompted. That is not anchoring. Also an anchor should have the knowledge of different languages, should be sensitive, sensible and humorous. One should know how to pick on each moment and make it more interesting for the audience. I personally cannot live with a person who does not have a good sense of humour,” he added. Going down the memory lane, Shailesh expressed of how he received a standing ovation from a show he anchored in Chicago and his encounter with a journalist who thanked him for his beautiful poetry, Maa which made her realize the bond she shared with her Mom. Speaking of the roles he would really like to essay in future, he said, “I have had enough of comedy. Now I want to see myself essaying roles which bring out the emotional side of me. I would love to essay a positive or a negative role and since I am from Rajasthan, I would love to do a show with a Rajasthani background.” Three cheers, Shailesh!!!