I have never cheated on anyone : Angad Bedi

He was to debut with Star Plus’ Prithviraj Chauhan but opted to pursue his dreams of making it big in Bollywood. Awaiting the release of his movie, he decided to take to hosting and the show he chose is Emotional Atyachaar! Angad Bedi is the current 'agony uncle' of the nation. Suspecting couples approach him to do loyalty tests on their partners; they confide in him about their personal lives and even choose to cry on his broad shoulders. The show is bold and hard-hitting, but Bedi isn’t complaining. He feels that the show has helped many to come to terms with the harsh reality of ‘infidelity’. Bedi ultimately dreams of going back to Bollywood but not before making a mark as the affable host on the television. TellyChakkar spoke to him about the show, his inspiration and his future plans. Excerpts: What prompted you to do this show? It’s first of its kind youth-oriented reality show on Bindass, a popular channel amongst the youth. They can foresee issues prevalent in the society. Infidelity is one issue which is making our society hollow and is on a rise. Today’s generation is so fast and impatient; they are losing the values and essence of our culture which we should be proud of. We are aping the west and do not think much of the ‘joint family’ system but I am not against the idea of nuclear families. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the youth of today and they come to know of real me. The show allows me to establish a bond with the youth. Don’t you think this is quite a bold show and against the ethos of the society? As human beings we get attracted to negative things faster than the positive things. Today infidelity has become a serious threat to the society and I think as a responsible citizen of the country one must expose it. We are talking about a land that introduced Kamasutra to the world so why shy away from such things. Why does the discussion of such issues out in the open worry us so much? Where is the need tobrush these matters under the carpet? We must recognize the problems slowly contaminating our society rather than ignoring them. TV is a great medium to deal with these issues and I consider this to be a novel idea. Not everyone can afford the services of a spy and if you have a show talking about infidelity and exposing the culprits then I see no harm. The show is receiving a lot of flak from different sections of the society and one hears that even the I & B Ministry doesn’t approve of the format. What’s your stand? A show’s success brings along supporters and detractors with it. I think everyone including the ministries has a right to have an opinion and they can have issues with the format of the show. And if they are talking about the show and consider it to be so important saying that it’s affecting the society then it just goes on to validate the success of the show. I feel the Human Rights Commission and the so-called psychologists, who have problems with the show and are finding it unethical, are themselves a part of the rising TRPs of it. They are watching it and yet criticizing it. I think we live in a hypocritical society where people just don’t want to acknowledge the facts and rather prefer to muck around the back. I think what we need the most today is to identify the problem and solve it. Do the contestants undergo any psychotherapy sessions as it is inevitable that they will go into depression as an aftermath of a heart-break? Yes, the counseling takes place before and post the show but we don’t air it as it’s too personal. I, too leave the counsellor with the contestant who has just suffered a heart-break. I let them talk to each other on a one to one basis. What is your relationship as a host with the people who come on the show? I am extremely friendly and share a few beautiful moments with them. In fact, just when the whole session of doing the loyalty test on your partner begins, I try to figure out the reason behind them opting for this measure. How would you react if your girlfriend had to spy on you? I wouldn’t let the situation arise. I have learned two things in life – value the relationship and hold it in high esteem. I believe in clarity and transparency in any relationship. One needs to be devoted to his/her relationship. And if the situation arises, I see no harm. If you doubt your partner then end the relationship before it’s too late. As far as my take on loyalty test goes – it’s better to do it now than suffer later. Have you ever cheated on anyone? I have never cheated on anyone. My upbringing has taught me to have faith in every single relationship and try to overcome problems if any. One needs to be calm and must rise above these petty issues that festers a relationship. What have you learned from the show? I have become more patient and understanding. I have realised that there are two sides to every coin and I can’t be judgmental. I don’t get angry and agitated easily now. Personally, what are you like? I am a very relaxed and affectionate person. I don’t like to interfere in anyone’s life and thus don’t like unnecessary interference from outsiders. I can do anything for my loved ones. Which is your favourite chat show? Koffee with Karan. Who is your inspiration as a host? Veer Sanghvi, Rajdeep Sardesai and Pranoy Roy. Which is your favourite show currently on television? Emotional Atyachaar. Any other actor who you think is apt to host the show apart from you? Abhay Deol Any show you would want to be a part of? I would love to participate in Khatron ki Khiladi. You were to play the warrior Prithviraj Chauhan but you never appeared on the show. What happened to it? I was approached to do Prithviraj Chauhan but then I had signed an exclusive three films deal with Popkorn Ltd and thus I couldn’t take up any other project. What’s happening with your movie The Little Godfather that was apparently your launch pad in Bollywood? The movie which has me as the main lead is 80% complete. It’s by Balaji Motion Pictures and Popkorn Ltd. What next? I would love to do mainstream cinema. As of now, my entire focus is on Emotional Atyachaar and films will follow.