I refuse to be merely a property in a show: Ravi Dubey

MUMBAI: Powerhouse of talent Ravi Dubey is donning the hat of a host again. This time, the dapper actor will be seen hosting the latest season of Zee TV’s popular kids signing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs.

Ravi roars with his acting prowess every time he is seen on screen. Extremely selective about his body of work, he always prefers quality over quantity. There is no doubt that Ravi adds a certain quirkiness to his performances. His subtle display of deftness lends much-needed credence to otherwise mundane television viewing.

Post his success with Zee TV’s Jamai Raja, Ravi participated in adventurous reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi and hosted a couple of non-fictions shows like Sabse Smart Kaun and Rising Star.

At the press conference held yesterday, Ravi spoke in brief on hosting Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, his love for children, plans to embrace fatherhood, and more.

Here are some excerpts.

How challenging or easy is to host a children-based show?

Easy or challenging are not the words, but excitement is the perfect word to describe it. I have always been in love with kids and can spend endless hours with them. I have shot a few episodes, and it is disheartening to see some kids not making it to the show. The biggest strength that kids have is that there is always a tomorrow for them. Our support and warmth will make them feel that it is not an end but a new start. How you communicate with kids depends upon your upbringing, and I am blessed to have a good one.

What do you have to say about the swap with Aditya, who is now hosting Rising Star?

Frankly speaking, I only got to know about the entire development during an interview. Aditya is very talented and I like him as a person. He is very endearing and loveable. We have worked before, and he will always have my support.

You are very selective when it comes to work, so on what basis do you approach your new project?

Yes, I take a lot of time to decide on a project, but I signed Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs immediately for the respect and faith that the show holds. It is more of a gut feeling for me. After Saas Bina Sasural, I did not do any fiction shows for four years, as it didn’t appeal to my gut. The grandness and money doesn’t attract me. But when I heard about Jamai Raja, I instantly gave it a nod.

What according to you makes Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs different from other singing reality shows?

The fact that you will get to see some awesome talent in the show. The talented judges, who have a great knack to understand talent, push kids to better themselves. The atmosphere is very homely and real on the sets.

What matters to you: a good script or money?

At this point of time, a good script. God is kind, and my wife Sargun (Mehta) and I are well secured. We are making decisions that are appealing to us. No matter what you put on my table, unless my gut doesn’t say a yes, I won’t do it.

Do you agree that television actors are now been given concrete work and not merely made to stand behind female protagonists?

Yes, definitely. We are in a space where everybody has to be treated equal. My intention of not doing a fiction show for a longer period was because I refuse to be merely a property in a show. I refused way back, and that is why Jamai Raja happened. When Jamai Raja worked, it must have encouraged people. We tend to follow suit. Today, a lot of supernatural shows are doing well. We keep doing the same thing until something disruptive comes.

Do you see yourself being a part of mythological, historical, and fantasy-based shows?

I don’t do infinite shows. I have consciously decided to never engage in something that requires my commitment for a very long time. I am more excited when it is limited. So I am going to stay connected to the finite space.

Recently, you posted on Instagram that you don’t see a need to flaunt six-pack abs. So do you agree that these days, looks and physical appearance are given more importance than acting?

The times have changed. I don’t think children have six packs abs, but they still connect with you. They don’t have to try to emulate some other person from the world. Ye six pack abs ka time ab gaya. You have to harness your own craft.

Since you are now hosting a children-based show, when do you plan to embrace parenthood?

Sargun and I are still children (laughs). We love our life and are happy with each other. There is still a long time.