As stunning as ever Karisma is back in action almost after a gap of five years. The charming Karisma denies that she is making a comeback with Nach Baliye 4 and says that ‘This is not my comeback but I am back’.

There were speculations about her coming as a judge on 9X’s Chak De Bachche but for reasons best known to her she opted out.

Karisma still continues to look like a million bucks and confesses that she has missed the industry. Though she does add that she was enjoying a better phase of life- motherhood. A graceful dancer Karisma will do ample justice to the show.

Meet Karisma in an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar.

You are back after a sabbatical of almost seven years?

I have been working since I was 15. I have had a fair number of films, both commercial and otherwise as being critically acclaimed. But I decided that my daughter and my family come first. Why does everybody call it a comeback? When Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep in Hollywood decided to do one movie in five years, folks call it a break. I did take a break, but now I am back. It’s not that projects haven’t come my way but I just didn’t feel like getting into the groove of applying war paint and facing the lights. I wanted to enjoy my life. I am back but this is not my comeback.

Have you been given behavioural guidelines for the show?

It is nothing like that. It’s all about being fair, honest and judging correctly.

Who was your favourite jodi in the last seasons of Nach Baliye?

Well I shouldn’t be taking names here but still to name one I think in all the seasons Sachin ji and his wife Supriya ji danced immensely especially when you are pitted against youngsters. The way they performed and put in that effort at that age is really commendable. This time too we have some very interesting couples and we are all going to have fun watching them perform.

Who is your favourite from the current lot?

I can’t say that as I don’t know them so well. Atleast let the shooting begin so that we get acquainted and ofcourse we can’t have favourites being the judges as everyone is equal. We just have to see how well they dance.

What are you expecting from the show?

Like I said I am expecting some good dance performances and great chemistry amongst the couples.

How comfortable are you as a judge and the drama and controversies that take place in a show?

Honestly, I am not very comfortable because I have personally never experienced it. But if that has to happen then it will happen and now that you have mentioned it I better be prepared for it. I am pretty excited about judging the show. Though as a person I have never tried to judge anyone so it obviously is going to be a new experience. I hope to be fair and hope to contribute to the show. But, if you are asking me if I would stoop to the level of dramatising the show to increase the TRPs, then let me assure you that is not my forte. Infact, all three of us – Farah, Arjun and I met up to discuss the strategy that we will follow. There will be no walk outs or temper tantrums on the show. I do know that judges on reality shows tend to get brutal at times but I choose not to comment on that. As far as I am concerned, I am going to be encouraging, but at the same time, I am going to judge fairly and will speak the truth. I don’t think I would want to be a party to a show where the judges’ emotions are scripted as that’s not my cup of tea.

What do you have to say about the diversity in the audience voting and judges’ verdicts?

Honestly that can happen. Opinions differ from individual to individual so the diversity in their voting. We judges look at the technical aspect of it and audiences are looking from a different point of view. It also depends on the popularity of the couple. The couples have to be looked upon on technical grounds, their relationship and performance.

But there was a buzz that you would be judging Chak De Bacche Season 2?

This is Nach Baliye and let’s stick only to this show.

Haven’t you jumped on the reality bandwagon a bit too late as compared to the other actresses like Sonali Bendre and Raveena Tandon?

I do not believe in herd mentality. Yes, there are numerous shows mushrooming, but if a reality show had come to me earlier, I wouldn’t have considered it. The timing had to be right.

Do you watch TV?

I do but not that much. I do catch a little bit here and there. But, you have to agree that reality shows are much more exciting than fiction shows and I think Nach is my favourite. (Laughs)

What do you feel about the growth of TV today?

Today the gap between movies and TV has become very less. Many of my colleagues are doing shows on TV like Shahrukh, Salman and Akshay and I too have done TV in the past. There is not much difference between the two mediums and it’s just the avenue that differs. This is something that I have not done before and I am looking forward to doing it. Also it doesn’t take too much of time. I don’t have to stay away from home, family and my daughter as it’s just once or twice a week. So I can give my undivided attention to the show. TV has given a career alternative to so many people. It’s amazing to see how TV has grown in India and like I said the gap has become so less. Now the biggest of stars are doing shows on TV and TV actors are also doing films and it is so pleasant to see the way they have integrated so well.

Who did you enjoy the most on TV amongst your colleagues?

All of them.

Honestly…

No, I am being honest. They are my colleagues and I have watched the programs because of them. I have done so many movies with all of them and have had great experiences working with them.

Your show Karishma – The Miracle of destiny on Sahara One bombed. Your views?

I did the show because I was convinced. The role was good and I enjoyed every day of it. But television is hard work. You have an option of hanging your boots when you are working with films, but with television, you are constantly on your feet. As an actor, I have tremendous respect for the actors in the television fraternity.

Would you like to host a show?

Oh my God! I have not given it a thought but let’s see when I am offered one.

What about working in a fiction?

I have done it once but it depends on the story and the script.

How has motherhood changed you?

I feel more mature and I am very happy with my life. Yes, there are ups and downs but then, who wants a life like a straight road. Give me a roller coaster ride any day. It is the best phase in my life and made me much more responsible as a person.

But neither the demands of marriage nor motherhood has adversely affected your looks?

I have been always like this and size zero is media hype. I am looking good because I am me and I am content with my life.

You last stint in Bollywood was in the year 2002 with Shakti. Didn’t you miss the arc lights?

In a way, yes, I did miss the lights. But then, I decided that if I don’t hang my boots and enjoy the phase I am in now, I would never ever enjoy my life. And now that I am back, I am open to new ideas and new shows, but again, it has to be something which touches a chord.