Exclusive - Maniesh Paul reveals ‘An award show function had jokes written on Coronavirus and I refused the script’
TV host and comedian Maniesh Paul spoke to ETimes TV in an exclusive live interaction. From spending quality family time to missing his busy life, he spoke about it all. Maniesh also revealed that a recent award function script had jokes written on Coronavirus and he refused the script. Read all this and more here. (By: Sukarna Mondal)
On refusing jokes on Coronavirus
Before the lockdown, I did a show and no offence, there were jokes on Coronavirus. I was told that it is the mood right now. I said, ‘Listen, bro for me Corona is not a joke. It is a big thing and people are suffering because of this. I can’t make fun of it.' This is my sensibility. Many times I also get jokes written about seniors but I don’t use them. I respect them and don’t want to cross that line. I don’t crack demeaning jokes.
On his social-distancing life
Being home is not bad. I am missing my busy life though. I have developed new skill of cooking and trying out items in the kitchen. I am reading new scripts, spending time with my kids. I have learnt how to make ‘toor’ dal. And now I will learn to make pasta.
On keeping his kids engaged during the lockdown
Honestly, I have gym equipments at home. So in one corner of the house I have set up a gym. Every evening I workout with my son. We have a bicycle at home. We are colouring, watching and reading to our kids. My daughter takes good care of him. You can’t have kids and not take care of them. I have no complaints of staying at home. However, we are missing our parents in Delhi and friends. I taught my daughter playing ludo. They are into scrabble but I make them solve jigsaw puzzles as well. My daughter is very competitive and she keeps winning.
Parenting tips for kids
My daughter is cooking and baking with us, my son is working out with me. It is important to keep them engaged. We as parents often tend to hand over phones to them so that they stay engaged. Don’t do that. I sit with my kids every evening and ask them ‘20 things they love’. It is a learning experience for us as well. I am learning to be patient from my kids.
Turning point in his life
I never think about such things. These are passing phases. The day I felt happy was when Amitabh Bachchan called me by my name. I was like ‘wow, he knows me.’ We sat down and he spoke to me. I have been a nobody from Delhi with no filmy background. But now I am an integral part of the industry and the celebrities know me. They are my friends. I never felt ‘I have arrived’. However, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ has been a turning point. Before that I did many shows. Also, I did one show ‘Ghar Ghar Mein’ where I used to visit houses to play the games. I was made fun of. But that show was a learning process and made me sustain as I had no money. Jhalak changed a lot of things and people took notice.
Hosting on his own terms
After Jhalak, I took up hosting award shows. I was told to stand on the podium and host. But I got the liberty to say no. I wanted to interact with actors too while hosting. That liberty they gave me. Would want to thank my directors, producers and the channels for giving me that liberty.
On his favourite co-host
Karan Johar. He is a big sport. He is fantastic and one guy who doesn’t need a script. Another co-host is Shah Rukh (Khan) sir. His sense of humour is another level. We are both from Delhi, our humour matches.
On stage fright and keeping calm on-stage
Hosting is not at all easy. People think that hosting is done by reading with the help of teleprompters but people who have seen me perform live know I don’t use one. I memorise a few pointers and go by the guts of audience. It has to match their mood.
On his bond with Salman Khan
Big thanks to Salman Khan. I met him for the first time on the sets of Jhalak. But he didn’t notice me. Then at an awards show and red carpet, he praised me. Then he invited me to his Eid party and signed me up for his Dabang Tour. That’s how the bond happened. I really respect him and vice-versa. He is one of the top stars of our country. I feel happy and blessed when I get an opportunity to work with him.
Urges fans not to troll actors who are not donating
I have been saying many people are taking actors’ names who are not donating to the relief funds. It is their wish whether they want to donate or not. Please don’t troll or write mean comments.