Ravi Kissen is known for his typical dialect, immense knowledge and inspiring inner wisdom. Always caught up in controversies he nurtured the dream of resurrecting Bhojpuri films. It was the reality show Bigg Boss that catapulted the actor into limelight.

Currently Ravi is hosting 9X’s dance based reality show Yeh Hai Jalwa with Smriti Irani and Sakshi Tanwar. The actor in an exhilarating chat with Tellychakkar poured out his heart, mind and soul.

Excerpts:

What made you decide on hosting?

I really liked the concept of the show. It is about a mélange of stars and unknown faces, which are usually lost in the crowd of the city. It is a wonderful concept wherein, a celebrity coaches common participants. It has also to with the growing popularity of 9X. And I share a great relationship with the producer of the show Bonnie Jain who came up with the idea which I really liked.

I came as a guest anchor for one episode, they liked the fire and fun element that I brought along with me and so they approached me to host Jalwa. Prior to my addition some reality element was missing which I have tried filling in.

Don’t you think that hosting the show with two leading ladies will leave you with less screen space?

No, it did not cross my mind for even once. I have the confidence that my scenes can’t get edited or chopped. Even the editor’s conscience will not allow him to use his scissors to cut my scenes as I am always different. I have reached a stage wherein, it becomes difficult to cut my scenes. I have been there done that and been edited a lot many times. Now, my viewership has increased and so has the fan following, eventually I have crossed that phase of life where you get edited.

Tell us about your rapport with Smriti Irani and Sakshi Tanwar..

I share a great rapport with them. Now even they have adapted to my grass-root flavour of language. Everybody has started using words like Babu; a feeling of kinship has taken over. All of us have become more respecting and chivalrous to each other. Everything has become so natural on the sets. They all have started enjoying more.

What is more difficult hosting or acting?

It is very difficult for me as I believe I am a very difficult actor and a host. All my life, I have never believed in the idea of referring to scripts. Even if a wonderful and connected script is given to me, I tend to give my inputs to make it more beautiful. I credit this to my vocabulary, inner power, knowledge of language and also all that I have learned through my experiences of life so far. The physical and emotional austerity towards my life and my attempt to keep learning from people I meet from different walks of life which has helped me ignite my inner wisdom. I keep thinking 24x7. There are so many things unanswered inside me that I keep exploring. I love to react and mould words according to the visuals. One has to shed his/her ego to learn from life and people.

What is the USP of the show besides the two R’s, Ravi Kissen and Rakhi Sawant?

Besides the two of us, the USP of the show is the lighting and the designing of the lavish sets, Rakhi’s Chillar Party and all other contestants on the show. The concept of the show makes it unpredictable for the audience.

Talking about Bigg Boss, Kashmira once said in an interview that she was paid by the channel to bitch about Rakhi on the show. Is it all scripted?

I haven’t read Kashmira’s comment, but I guarantee you that we were given nothing in Bigg Boss. We 13 participants were left to ourselves completely and that was the time when we came to terms with our real selves. The only error that happened on the show was the introduction of the wild card entry. The wild card entry brings with him/her the news and happenings of the outside world which makes the inmates restless. It has been a learning experience of a lifetime on the Bigg Boss. But I would not want to go back in the Bigg Boss’ house even if I am paid 100 crores.

What is the reason behind the failure of Bathroom Singer?

I think the promotional strategy was not up to the mark. The show did not reach the level they had projected. A show has to create a tide of sorts when it is coming on-air which did not happen in case of this show.

How has been your experience dubbing for Hollywood’s blockbuster Spiderman?

Oh! It had been a great experience dubbing Spiderman in Bhojpuri, titled as Makad-Manav. The film has been loved and my work has been appreciated by all and sundry.

Aren’t you surprised with the immense popularity of Makad-Manav toys world-wide which have become a rage of sorts?

While dubbing Spiderman I was caught up by the thoughts of what Makad-Manav would look like.

It was a mere thought between me and my friends to bring out a toy which would be the Bhojpuri version of the Spiderman toys. We visualised Makad-Manav flying wearing a dhoti and with a thick moustache. But somebody stole my concept and in no time the toys were manufactured and sold. I will sue the guy if ever I catch him.

Slowly and gradually Bhojpuri cinema is getting its due recognition?

It feels very happy when you see the dream that you have nourished since ages becoming a reality. Bhojpuri cinema had almost died. I slogged hard to keep it alive. Media has helped me a lot in the process by writing about Bhojpuri cinema. It also has to do with the influx of B-town biggies like Amitabh Bacchan, Dilip Kumar and Ajay Devgan. We are making good cinema like Udit Narayan’s Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar for which I have bagged the national award. It makes me feel very proud and it is going to grow more. There are a couple of Bhojpuri channels coming up.

There is a fleet of Bollywood movies that you have done right from Army, Phir Hera Pheri, Tere Naam. What is the major difference between the two cinemas besides the budget?

It’s like Maa ke haath ka khana and pizzas and pastas. We are serving Maa ke haath ka khana.

Being a superstar, one is bound to be surrounded by controversies and link-ups. How does your family deal with it especially your wife?

Family by now has got habituated. Initially we had feuds regularly with severe aftermaths like I was deprived of my meal. I have gone through all that any common couple would undergo in such a case. But, while I was locked in Bigg Boss, my wife realised that I only love her.

How do you deal with it?

It’s been a year and a half that I have not been written about. (laughs) May be there is a dearth of beautiful girls. I don’t deny the fact that there are temptations but my conscience reminds me of my kids who I love the most in this world. I respect my boundary and one is always answerable to the society for his deeds, be it good or bad.

What’s next in the pipe-line?

My film Mahadev by Shyam Benegal, produced by UTV is all set to release. I have just completed shooting for Money Hai Toh Honey Hai with Govinda. Then I have signed Chai Garam, where Koena Mitra is playing the lead opposite me. I have also signed a movie with Sanjay Dutt titled as Luck where I am playing a psychotic lover, which will be directed by Soham of Kaal fame. There is another movie I have signed with Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty.

Talking about television, I am flooded with offers. From the time I have taken up the offer to host Yeh Hai Jalwa on 9X, my phone has not stopped ringing which has driven me crazy.

Do you harness political ambitions as well?

I want to do lot of social work which I am still doing. I have no plans of getting stepping into politics. I want to be so powerful on my own that I don’t require the might of the chair to do so such work.