Unnati Joshi (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 4, 2020)

The coveted list of The Times 20 Most Desirable Men on TV 2019 is out. Based on their popularity on the small screen and an internal jury, these dashing and charming men on Hindi television, with oodles of talent, have found a spot on the list. Sidharth Shukla, who has topped the list, not only won Bigg Boss 13, but also millions of fans with his wit and swag. Excerpts from an interview with the actor:

After getting appreciation for Bigg Boss 13, you have topped the list of The Times 20 Most Desirable Men on TV 2019. How does it feel?
Well, it feels good that a year that has been so hard on humanity has had good things to offer me. It has been a period of learning for all of us. Bigg Boss, and later the pandemic, has been a time of introspection, challenges, patience and so much more. But, I’m glad that good things came my way, including topping the most desirable list.

You have a huge fan following. Why do you think people find you attractive?
Now, this is news to me that people find me attractive. Wow! Wait, let this sink in (smiles!). For me, attraction is way beyond physical appearance. I think one’s aura, intelligence, will, intent and so much more, is important. I don’t know how many of those have been parameters, but I am hoping to have most of them ticked someday. I am who I am, and honesty is something I’ve been told can be quite attractive.

Who, according to you, is the most desirable man and woman in the country?
Whoever tops your list, I guess. The Times knows how to rank the best! But, in the current phase, anyone who is able to invent a cure to beat the Coronavirus pandemic will be the most desirable man/woman not only in the country, but in the world.

You shot for two music videos after Bigg Boss. So, what’s next?
A lot of discussions are on, and I’m hoping to take on a new challenge soon, but it’s too early to talk about it.