Elli AvrRam is no more the bubbly, wide-eyed girl we saw on Bigg Boss four years ago. From being a reality show contestant, she is all set to host one now -the stand-up comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. For Elli too, there's a big 'challenge' involved in the task - she will be required to speak in Hindi, and that too, fluently. So, is she up for it? In an interview with BT, the actress answers that question and also confesses her love for India and Bollywood. Excerpts...

Not many Bollywood actors take up work on TV at the onset of their careers. So, what made you turn host with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge?
Well, you must not forget that I was on Bigg Boss just before the release of my debut film. Back then, many people dissuaded me from participating in the show. I, too, was nervous, but I had a lot of fun during my stay inside the house. That's not all; the stint also resulted in more work. I believe that actors shouldn't be prejudiced against any medium. Many actresses have qualms about performing item numbers, as they fear getting typecast, but I have no such apprehensions. This show is a new journey for me; hosting in Hindi seemed like a huge challenge, but it will enable me to grow as a person.

Are you prepared to take jokes on yourself, which is a norm on such comedy shows?
All of us joke about and with each other. It's in a fun space and not demeaning at all.

You said that you like stepping out of your comfort zone. But don't you think language will be a major impediment?
Hosting is not just about talking - it's about becoming a medium between the judges, mentors, contestants and the audience. Having said that, my Hindi is much better now. I actually speak the language on a daily basis, though I become conscious when some one says, 'Chalo, ab Hindi mein baat karo'. Fortunately, this show leaves me with no option except getting rid of that fear.

What about your Bollywood career? You have done just two films in four years...
For me, whatever I have done so far is amazing. I come from a small town in Sweden and my biggest dream was to come to India and act in at least one Hindi film. Today, I have done so much more than that. So, it's all about perception - some will say bas itna kiya, while others will think I have done a lot.

But one can't deny that showbiz is extremely competitive. Don't you worry about other foreign actresses surging ahead in their careers?
I feel happy, as their success gives so much hope to other foreign aspirants. Bollywood has many fans abroad; I, too, feel a strong connect with India and Indian films. Talking about feeling insecure, I don't compete with anyone because we all come from different backgrounds and have different journeys. I have always focused on my own journey and happiness. Of course, there will be roles that you wish you had played, but that's normal.

You were Salman Khan's blue eyed girl during your stay in the Bigg Boss house. Did you ever discuss the possibility of working in a film with him?
I respect him and share a beautiful relationship with him, which I don't wish to dilute. Also, I am hardworking and have confidence in my talent to get work on my own. Salman is generous and I know he'll be there if I need him.

You are a single girl, who has been staying alone and working here for several years now. How safe do you feel in Mumbai?
Honestly, I feel extremely, I feel extremely safe in Mumbai. In fact, I get very upset when people abroad feel that India is not safe for women. What they don't realise is that such incidents happen in other countries as well; it's just that they don't talk about it. Obviously, the numbers will be higher in India because of the population. I believe that every woman should empower herself - physically, emotionally and financially. Talking about physical empowerment, I practise martial arts.

You seem to be happy professionally, but what about your personal life? Is there someone special?
I am in love with myself at the moment (laughs). Beyond that, I don't wish to divulge much about my personal life. I prefer being a mysterious girl about whom people don't know much.