Salman Khan talks about hosting season 8 of Bigg Boss, says anyone who is good at comedy can take his place
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 14, 2014)

Yes, I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t think I had the energy for it. The show takes a lot out of me. It drains me emotionally. I appear only for two days in a week, but I watch all the episodes and try and sort out the problems between the contestants. I am paid to be a host and not solve their problems, but I do!

You were upset with Kushal Tandon’s comeback to the show...
I didn’t like that at all. I believe that once you are out, you are out of the game. However, that was not Kushal’s fault. It was the Colors’ team, they were unfair and that was the problem.

What changed your mind?
Several things (money being one of them). They convinced me and here I am. Once I take up the show I do it to the best of my ability. Also, I have made it 100 per cent sure that if anyone is out, he/she remains out. If not, Salman will be out of Bigg Boss!

If not you, who do you think will be an ideal host?
Sanjay Dutt. Even Akshay Kumar will be a good host or anyone who can do stand-up comedy.

Will your approach be different this time?
It all depends on the contestants. I need to have a connect with the person. If there are beautiful women, my approach will also be beautiful; if there are lovely comedians, I will have fun with them, if they are weird, I will be weirder. I have to first study the contestants. For instance, last year initially I targeted Andy but later I realised he is genuinely a nice guy. With Elli (Avram), her innocence and English drew me differently. With Gauahar (Khan) it was a hyper connect. With Sangram (Singh), who didn’t know English but sang songs, I had a beautiful connect.

Of the seasons you have hosted, which has been the best for you?
Last one.

Despite the controversies you had?
Yes, because that was not with the contestants but the creatives.

Whose lifestyle do you find interesting enough to be apt for the house?
Sanjay Dutt. I think he should be taken from where he is right now and put in the house. Only, I am sure that within a short time he will want to go back because staying here is extremely difficult.

Everyone is curious to know whether the Happy New Year team, including Shah Rukh Khan, will promote the film on your show?
It is completely their decision, but I am open to everything. Guess what, whether they want to or not, the PR activity here has already begun with everyone asking about them!