The actress hits out at trolls, who felt that she did not deserve to win the action-based reality show
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 28, 2020)

On Sunday, Karishma Tanna became the winner of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK) 10, after beating actor Karan Patel and choreographer Dharmesh Yelande in the finale. While the actress is happy about her victory, trolls have attacked her saying that she was chosen, because she is glamorous. Talking to BT about it, Karishma said, “How can they say that I won KKK because I am glamorous? I have been part of Bigg Boss 8 (first runner-up), Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 and Nach Baliye 7 (second runner-up). On each show, I came close to winning the crown and then, the trophy went to someone else. If I won this trophy because I am glamorous, why didn’t I win earlier?”

The actress is not letting the trolls dampen her spirit. She said, “I am very happy; my calm attitude and perseverance helped me win. I used to be restless and impulsive in the past, but now, I have realised that patience is definitely a virtue. While it’s natural to feel scared when facing a tiger or a snake, I kept reminding myself that I could do every task, if I remained calm. I got several bruises and injuries, and my back and neck still hurt, but that is a part and parcel of KKK.”

So, what does she plan to do next? “I plan to do some meaningful roles now. It is high time people know me for my talent and not just glamour,” Karishma replied.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 30, 2016)

This year’s last episode of Bigg Boss will be special for the inmates, as Salman Khan will be entering the house. The actor has something nasty and fun up his sleeve. Salman will be hosting the ‘Razzie Awards’ for the contestants, and he will present awards like Kaanon Ka Khooni, Footage Khau, Jaani Dushman and Bhukkhad. The three-hour New Year special episode will have an integration with Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Comedy Nights Bachao (both the shows are about to end). A source informs, “ The special episode will have former Bigg Boss contestants Vindoo Dara Singh and Ravi Kishan in attendance. In an added twist, Bigg Boss will bring Lokesh Kumari back into the house.”

The Kick jodi could be back for the finale episode of the actress's TV turn, which will be held on the sets of Salman's show
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 29, 2016)


The dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which kicked off its ninth season in July, has been going on and on, well past its usual three-four month, bi-weekly tenure. Now, Mirror has learnt that the show which this year has been restricted to just one episode on Saturday, will finally wrap up at the end of January 2017 after a seven-month run. Now, for the twist in the tale… The finalists and the judges— Karan Johar, Farah Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez — will drive down to Lonavala to the Bigg Boss house for the finale.

A source from the show’s team reveals, “The last schedule was in October when a part of the finale was filmed with Hrithik Roshan as the special guest. The remaining episodes were shot well in advance. Now, the team, including Karan and Farah who have moved to other shows on rival channels—Dil Hai Hindustani and Indian Idol Season 9 will be reuniting to complete the finale. The plan is that midway through the episode, the viewers will be surprised by Bigg Boss’s voice hinting that Jhalak’s winner will be announced soon. The details of the integration are currently being worked out and should be finalised by the weekend. Jacqueline’s Kick co-star and the Bigg Boss host, Salman, is expected to be part of the episode. The shows team is keen to have the hit Kick jodi of Salman and Jacqueline perform together if they agree.”

The source adds that there will be solo acts by Karan, Farah and Jacqueline too, along with remaining contestants Salman Yusuff Khan, Shantanu Maheshwari, Dwayne Bravo, Teriya Magar and Siddharth Nigam. The winner will be chosen from one of them. “This episode will be aired a week before the Bigg Boss finale and the Bigg Boss contestants will be part of it too,” concludes the source.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 27, 2016)

Mirror had earlier reported (October 19) that the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa shoot with Hrithik Roshan had to be postponed because two of the judges, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Karan Johar being unavailable to shoot. The episode was finally shot on Tuesday and a concerned Hrithik was overheard asking Jackie, who had to be hospitalised after her fever peaked, about her health and praised her saying she was the fittest woman in Bollywood. “I know Jackie religiously practices yoga and sticks to her healthy diet,” the 42-yearold actor raved.

He went on to reveal that longtime buddy, KJo, was his fave B-town singer and the filmmaker reciprocated by singing, “You are my Soniya” the Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham chartbuster like a bhajan while the duo danced in sync.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 19, 2016)

Jacqueline Fernandez who has been on the judges panel of the Colors reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa had to skip shooting after she was admitted to the hospital with high fever. The 30-year-old actress is currently recuperating at home.

According to a source, Jackie couldn’t show up for the episode preceding the semi-finals. “The show’s team was intimated on Tuesday morning that she wouldn’t be able to make it to the set since she was suffering from high fever and had to be hospitalised. We shot the first episode with just Karan (Johar) and Farah (Khan).”

The team’s woes were far from over. They had begun filming the semi-finale when Karan got a call that he had to leave immediately to make an announcement about his film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

And without two judges, the production team decided to postpone the shoot. “Hrithik Roshan who was the special guest was informed about the change of schedule. We are now hoping that Jacqueline will be back soon,” the source added.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’s latest entrant, Dwayne Bravo on the commitment it takes to dance better than the rest
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; October 15, 2016)

Dancing is harder than cricket. I finish off cricket practice in four hours, but with dancing, I have to keep at it for seven hours to make sure I am good,” admits West Indian cricketer Dwayne Bravo currently in Mumbai to participate in the reality TV show, 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9'.

This is not the first time Indian audiences are going to watch the animated cricketer strut his stuff. His Champion Song, which he debuted after winning a match against India during the T20 World Cup this March, saw him shake his booty with Chris Gayle in a video that went viral. “But that’s the cricket field, where I am in my element. Here on the sets of Jhalak, I was shy. Thankfully, no one made me feel like, ‘why the hell is he here!’ So slowly, I have gained my confidence and started having fun,” he tells us on the set at Film City.

And while the experience is one he is cherishing, Dwayne can’t detach from the competitive sportsman he is. “Who doesn’t want to win? I am in this to win,” he says.

The 33-year-old cricketer belongs to the same village that cricketing legend Brian Lara does, Santa Cruz, in Trinidad and Tobago of the Caribbean. And there, Dwayne shares, dance and music is a part of culture and life, just like it with Indians. So, he has grown up dancing, never worrying about technique and having a good time. “In my country, we dance with a girl, we ‘whine’ each other up,” he says, making a move which we recognise as grinding.

“Yes, that’s what it is...” he cracks up. “It’s like Rihanna singing ‘Work, work, work’ and you know how that beat goes, right?”

In an uncharacteristically sombre moment, he says it took him a while to get to this jovial state. He speaks of being left out of the 2015 World Cup squad. “They tried to bring me down. I was disappointed but I didn’t let my head hang. I kept working, and so, when the T20 World Cup happened and we won, the Champion Song had to be released. Because I am a champion!”

For now, he will focus on dancing and getting to know Bollywood. “I watch TV and listen to music on my phone. I know what’s going on [in the Hindi film and music industry].”

Back home, he says, his hero is Beenie Man. “The world knows him as the King of Dancehall. I was starstruck when I met him, and that was odd because I have even met the Queen!” So, which other musician will you always find on his phone, we ask. “DJ Bravo, course!”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 6, 2016)


After wooing fans with his cricketing skills and the chartbusting number, “Champion”, Dwayne ‘DJ’ Bravo is all set to conquer the Indian reality show realm with a special stint on Colors’ Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

A source associated with the show tells Mirror, “Bravo will arrive as a challenger to test the contestants’ understanding of music and dance. He is slated to begin rehearsals for the show on his birthday, 7th October. He will be challenging the existing contestants, Shantanu Maheshwari, Siddharth Nigam, Salman Yusuff Khan, Teriya Magar and Swasti Nitya.” The show is judged by Karan Johar, Jacqueline Fernandez and Farah Khan.

Bravo confirmed the news, noting, “Good things always happen to me around my birthday. Four years ago, West Indies won against Sri Lanka and I took the winning catch. This year, I am gifting myself the Jhalak experience. While singing is tough, dancing is another ball-game. But years of cricket have taught me that nothing is impossible and I’m all set to challenge these contestants, trying my best to win the trophy. Now that I am here, my focus is going to be on winning hearts, making some friends and, more importantly, learning some Bollywood moves”.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 29, 2016)

When promotional rounds for her new film, Dear Zindagi, commenced, it must have come as a no-brainer to kick it off with an appearance on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the celebrity dance reality show that Alia’s mentor Karan Johar, who’s also co-produced the Gauri Shinde film, judges.

But things turned more interesting than an edge-of-the-seat thriller when Alia, appearing on the show over the weekend, decided to have some fun at contestant Karishma Tanna’s expense. “When Karishma came on stage, Alia shot some personal questions at her, including if a man has ever left her heartbroken, if she has dated two men at the same time, if she is in love with someone at the moment. Karishma maintained her composure as she tackled them,” a source from the show’s set informed Mirror, adding that Karan finally came to Karishma’s rescue.

Turns out, Alia managed to get Karishma to admit that she is in love with someone at the moment. The latter also confessed that five-six years ago her then beau had proposed to her but she had refused in order to pursue her career. The relationship ended, leaving both of them heartbroken. The last question was about dating two men simultaneously which left Karishma particularly stumped when Karan chimed in, noting that it is always the girls who keep men hanging. Alia argued that it’s the guys who break girls’ hearts. That will make for some very awkward TV moments, no?

Jacqueline Fernandez on why sometimes dreams turn into nightmares
Upala KBR (DNA; August 19, 2016)

Jacqueline Fernandez has had a hectic year with three back-to-back releases and constant travelling for promoting the film, so it came as no surprise when the actress fell ill last week. Says Jacqueline, “My eye started hurting. When I went to the look at it in the mirror, I saw this big red blood clot. My doctor told me a blood vessel had burst. It usually happens when one is under pressure or stress.”

She has been flying to three cities in a day to promote her next release A Flying Jatt (AFJ). “I am also judging Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9. People don’t understand how much pressure we actors are under constantly. I have had back-to-back releases with Housefull 3, Dishoom and now AFJ. I also went to Florida to shoot for Bang Bang 2. For the last few months, I have been under constant pressure. No complaints, but I don’t know how I have managed. I didn’t have a holiday for months. Just after Dishoom I went for two days to Maldives with my mom and came back to promote AFJ. This year has been incredibly hectic!”

According to the actress, her wish has come true but with a price. “The irony is that before I signed Kick, I had prayed to God that I want to work every day... I didn’t care about anything else — what work I did and how but I didn’t want to sit at home as it’s like I am being punished. And now look, I am working every day and am completely spaced out!” That’s why they say be careful what you wish for.

Upala KBR (DNA; August 17, 2016)


Irresistible offer?
Says an insider, “She could not resist the offer. She has been paid Rs 1 crore per episode.” However, Jackie denies that, “It’s not true. The reason I signed on was that I wanted to reach out to more people. I felt I was still lacking in reach.”

Meet the real me!
Ask her to explain how and she says, “I wanted to be able to connect with that audience in the small towns and interiors — people who didn’t relate to me and my movies. My blockbuster hits have created a very glamorous image of me, which is not the real me. I never had a chance to play myself. With Jhalak..., I have that now. I wanted people to see that side of me.”

‘Judging is tough’
She says, “It’s pretty intimidating to be a judge. It’s tough and there are times when I am like, ‘I can’t do this and I need to improve a lot’. Also, I am too emotional. I have started becoming attached to the contestants and I just love to see their dancing, but I feel awful when they leave. But at the same time you have to be fair to the other contestants.”

Far superior contestants!
She asks fellow judge Karan Johar for help (he’s been doing it for five years now) and admits, “Some of the contestants in the show are far superior than me and I feel I’m not in the position to judge them. But now, I have decided I am not going to be a dance expert, but process their journey.”

Growing with contestants
She believes she is now growing into her role on the show, and concludes, “The contestants are growing with every episode and I am seeing that journey — who is sliding down and who is still keeping up that energy. For me, it’s a constant learning journey. While I was nervous about this decision earlier, I now take it as an opportunity to grow with them.”

Jacqueline Fernandez says she has no time for a relationship and knows that link-up rumours will hound her until she finds her forever guy
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; August 4, 2016)

Cute and vivacious is something that everyone immediately notices about Jacqueline Fernandez. Despite a long day of shooting for dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, on which she is a judge, the actress is at her chirpy best. However, she seems eager to wrap up all media interactions as soon as possible to go home to that special someone in her life — her pet cat. We promise to keep it brief. Excerpts from a quick chat:

What made you sign a dance show as judge?
People may not go to watch my films, or connect with my character on screen, but here was an opportunity to show them my real side.

You have showed off hot moves in your films and on the show too. Are you a trained dancer?
None at all. While shooting for my first film, Aladin (2009), I was a disaster. I was shouted at because I couldn’t get any step right and had to share screen space with Amitji [Amitabh Bachchan]. I was under great pressure. After that, I realised I needed to work on my dancing skills. I took up dance classes and made it a priority. Then I got songs in Race 2, Kick and other numbers that I could dance to. Dancing is something you have to train hard for. Where I am now, I am lucky enough to just get a lot of stage shows and performances which keep me in rhythm.

So, how are you judging the contestants?
It’s really tricky. They are all celebrities in their own right. And I feel that I haven’t accomplished enough in dance to be a technical judge to them. I see their journey, the way they challenge themselves and what they try to overcome. I will be judging them in those aspects.

You are obviously being compared to the previous celebrity judges, all of whom had some background in dancing. Does the comparison bother you?
Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure. We have had some phenomenal judges in the past and I hope to do justice to the show, the contestants and people watching the show. I feel tremendous pressure; it is difficult to live up to the standards that others have set.

The show will run for six months. What will you be doing on the side?
I am promoting A Flying Jatt and working on a film with Sid [Sidharth Malhotra] for which some bit of shooting is left. Then I have another film opposite Sushant Singh Rajput for Dharma Productions.

Buzz about you dating Sidharth refuses to die down…
If you discuss this with Sidharth, he’d laugh. It is entertaining. Because I am single, I get linked to everybody. I don’t see working with someone as enough reason to link me to a co-star, or even actors I happen to meet at awards shows and exchange pleasantries with. But, now, I have come to a point where I have accepted that I will be linked with someone or the other unless I am in a serious relationship or married.

You are single, alright, but ready to mingle too?
I am as single as it gets and am ready to mingle, but have no time for that.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 3, 2016)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; August 1, 2016)

Before he leaves for Ladakh for Kabir Khan’s Tubelight, Salman Khan is wrapping up commitments in Mumbai. The star shot for an ad with Kick co-star Jacqueline Fernandez in a Bandra studio on Friday, but the schedule lasted much longer than expected. Reason? Salman put it on hold to catch up with Deepika Padukone, who was at the same studio.

Says a source, “While getting ready to face the camera, Salman was told that Deepika was also shooting on the same floor. So, he decided to meet her and they ended up chatting for a long time.” The socialising led to an almost two-hour delay in his ad shoot. Jacky, too, reached late for a press meet for the ninth season of dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which she is judging.

The source adds that Salman and Deepika were not too friendly earlier, but after meeting each other at recent social events, they have struck a rapport: “They came close to be cast together on a few occasions, but their pairing has, so far, been jinxed. But, with Deepika now likely to work with Salman in Tubelight, they are bonding big time.”

Salman and Deepika were unavailable for comment.

Surveen Chawla admits that while he is her father’s age, it didn’t deter her from kissing him on 24 Season 2
Urmimala Banerjee (DNA; August 1, 2016)


Tell us about your role in 24?
I cannot say much about my role now because I am afraid if I say one word about it, I will end up saying a lot more, which will be catastrophic. All I will say is that it’s an edgy and multi-layered character. She is Haroon Sherchand’s (Sikandar Kher) girlfriend, but in love with Jai Singh Rathore (Anil Kapoor). You have to wait for the story to unfold.

Let’s talk about the lip lock with Anil Kapoor?
Well, I did tell Abhinay (Deo, director) sir that I was feeling awkward and nervous. I have kissed on screen before, but there was a feeling of hesitation because technically, Anil sir is my father’s age. Of course, I would be ashamed to say this to him as he’s hot at 59! I psyched myself for around five minutes before the shot. I know as an actor I would kiss a piece of furniture if I was told to do so. Moreover, it was a closed set. Everyone was professional and serious. There was no giggling around. People should stop making such a hullabaloo about kissing in films or TV. Just look at the West.

Has the image as a hot actress after Hate Story 2 hampered your career?
Yes, the kind of projects I got post Hate Story 2 were a bit of a dampener. The film was not an erotic thriller per se. It was a revenge drama about this helpless girl who becomes an avenging angel. Sadly, you get slotted very quickly in Bollywood. As an actor, my job is to perform. The manner in which producers market a film is not in your hands. Yet that builds an image about an artiste. I have rejected many films in the Hate Story 2 genre to avoid being typecast. Then, 24 came up and it is a fab project to be associated with. It is made like a film. The makers have cast characters for the roles and not just famous names.

How is the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa experience?
It is a lot of fun combined with intense pressure. My body pains all over after doing rehearsals. I am not used to dancing for so many hours. It is very different from gymming. I am not a trained dancer, so it is tough. Coping up with this regime is difficult, physically and mentally. However, the high of learning something new is keeping me motivated..

Jacqueline Fernandez dismisses link-up rumours, isn't insecure about hero-centric projects
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2016)


Just after Housefull 3 opened in June, Jacqueline Fernandez flew off to Miami to shoot for Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK's untitled Bang Bang sequel. The rumour mills were buzzing then about the Sidharth Malhotra-Alia Bhatt breakup and there were speculations in plenty about the 31-year-old actor's growing closeness with Jackie. Alia and Sid are now back together and Jackie brushes off all the gossip, saying, "Obviously people want to believe what they want to and will write what they want. I'm an easy target because I'm single. There is no point in clarifying anything."

For her the shoot with a "chilled out" Sid was lots of fun with parties, a visit to Disneyland with her nephew and water sports. "I wanted to get a tattoo done but then realised that it might stop me from all the water fun," says the 30-year-old actress who is looking forward to the second schedule in September.

But before that she has two releases coming up. There's Rohit Dhawan's buddy cop thriller Dishoom in which she plays an aide to Varun Dhawan and John Abraham who are on the hunt for an abducted cricketer. "My character, Ishika, is fearless and integral to the story," she informs. This will be followed by A Flying Jatt with Tiger Shroff as a turbaned superhero and Jackie playing the damsel in distress.

She is not insecure that both are hero-centric films. For her it's all about being a part of good projects. "My parameters for choosing a film are: a good role, an interesting script and a great team to work with," she says.

Like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Jackie too would like to foray into Hollywood but for now is concentrating on her next English film, According To Matthew, filmed in her home country. "It's about events that happened in Sri Lanka in the '70s. It revolves around a priest and a girl who falls prey to his powers. It's my first portrayal of a real life character and will release in September in Sri Lanka, followed by a few festival rounds," she informs.

Meanwhile, buzz is, she's been offered David Dhawan's Judwaa 2 and Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick 2. Considering that Jackie and Sajid have collaborated on five films to date, including Housefull, Housefull 2, Kick, Housefull 3 and Dishoom, has it become imperative for her to oblige her producer buddy every time? "I'm not obliging Nadiad, I've worked with his banner since I came into the industry and feel blessed. He isn't someone who will offer me something just for the heck of it, he's a fantastic producer," she protests.

And what kind of a rapport does she share with Salman Khan? She points out that he's someone who has always supported and encouraged her. "He's definitely a mentor, friend and well wisher," she says shortly.

And bestie Sonam Kapoor? How come she's not a part of the girl gang in Rhea Kapoor's next production,Veere Di Wedding? "It's not a big deal when two actors are friends but when it's two actresses, everyone's going, 'how'. Hey, we are two normal human beings and I was aware of Veere Di Wedding since day one and the final cast (Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Tiku Talsania's daughter, Shikha) is spot on. Rhea really knows what she wants and a buddy film like this is what our cinema needs. I'm really excited about it," she bubbles.

She's equally excited about her stint as a judge Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 in which she has performed on a medley of her songs. "There's a sense of responsibility because of the contestants standing in front of you. It's going to be a long journey but I am looking forward to it," she asserts.

Jacqueline owns a restaurant, Kaema Sutra, in Sri Lanka and would want to invest in one in Mumbai as well. But admits that acting requires a lot of time and energy and she doesn't want her attention to shift to anything else right now. "But a couple of years down the line, I might be ready to flirt with travel, documentaries and even movie-making," she says enigmatically.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 22, 2016)

The ninth season of Jhalak Dikhhla is set to go on air next weekend, and the contestant line- up includes some with two left feet. One participant, however, seems to have an edge — Salman Yusuff Khan, who has been a choreographer on the show in earlier editions. The decision to have him compete on the show has irked other contestants.

Actress Nora Fatehi, who is taking part in the dance reality show, said, “It’s not fair to us that Salman is suddenly a contestant. He is a gazillion steps ahead of us and understands the game. There have been seasons of Jhalak where trained dancers like Lauren Gottlieb participated, but this is different.”]

TV actor Arjun Bijlani chose to play it safe by saying, “He is part of JDJ now, so I cannot comment. In fact, he will be able to raise the bar and others will strive to match his level.”

Karishma Tanna shared similar sentiments. “We cannot judge what’s fair and what’s unfair. Salman is a good performer. He has been brought on the show so that we can get inspired by him.”

A few other contestants see it as an unfair move by the production house, but did not wish to come on record. When we contacted Salman for a comment, he said, “A lot of contestants have told me it’s not fair. But the production team has got me back on board, which means the audience wants to see me. They could have picked any choreographer from my batch. I used to be the guy who choreographed celebs with huge fan following. Have I ever said that’s not fair?"

But the actor-comedian insists that a 'rival team' won't have the last laugh when it comes to his shows
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 13, 2016)

When Kapil Sharma quit Comedy Nights with Kapil following fallout with Colors, the channel that aired the show, Krushna Abhishek's Comedy Nights Live stepped in to fill the Sunday slot of 10 pm, while Comedy Nights Bachao was being aired on Saturdays. Now, both the shows' slots stand to be disrupted with the arrival of the ninth season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which goes on air on July 30 and will be telecast every Saturday at 10 pm. Jacqueline Fernandez, Karan Johar and Ganesh Hegde appear as judges.

"Comedy Nights Bachao will now air on three Sundays in a month while Comedy Nights Live on the remaining Sunday slot. Both shows are doing well and rumours of them going off air are baseless and being spread by rivals. We are definitely not scrapping Comedy Nights Live, we don't want people to think it went off after Kapil launched his own show," asserts Krushna.

The actor-comedian is however quick to add that Kapil isn't spreading the said rumours. "He has always been very encouraging but I'm sure it's someone from his team and I am on the lookout for that person. Even when we started off with Comedy Nights Bachao, people said it won't work. But from Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan to Deepika Padukone, everyone has appreciated the show. In fact, when Deepika made her first appearance for Tamasha, she promised to get Ranveer Singh on it too," Krushna reveals.

He admits that it would have been better if Comedy Nights Live which first aired on January 31, got more time. "But Jhalak is an equally important property for the channel and we are thankful to them for having given both my shows two primetime weekend slots. Now that they have a new one coming up, we don't mind adjusting and once Jhalak wraps up after four months, I will get my slots back," he concludes.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; July 8, 2016)

Reality shows are the darling of small screen audience and the money that’s involved is undoubtedly obscene. If sources are to be believed, Manish Paul, who is set to present the upcoming season of dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, for the fifth successive year, will be taking home a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore. This makes him the highest paid non-Bollywood TV host at the moment.

Says a source, “Manish has been associated with the show for five years and shares a warm equation with the production team of Jhalak. He is not just spontaneous and funny, but pretty flexible and accommodating too. So, when he asked for Rs 2.5 crore as remuneration for hosting the upcoming season, the makers did not hesitate.” Reportedly, the anchor-actor made Rs 1.5 crore last year as the show host.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa will have close to 35 episodes over its four-month run, which means Manish will be paid close to R 7 lakh per episode. “Normally, TV hosts draw Rs 1-1.4 crore to be part of popular reality shows that run as long as four months— unless he/she is a Bollywood celebrity. However, Manish seems to be the highest paid non-Bollywood anchor on TV currently,” adds an insider.

The channel’s spokesperson denies the buzz while Manish chose not to respond to text messages. A source close to him, however, confirms the story.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2016)

Urmimala Banerjee (DNA; May 11, 2016)


Arjun Kapoor, who was the host of a reality action show has shown the way to his contemporaries. Earlier only senior actors were being considered as hosts and judges for reality shows. But now, It seems Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh are top contenders for the hot seat. Both actors have a mass appeal, a youth connect and are known for their dancing skills.

Last year, the ratings of the show weren’t too encouraging and makers are looking for a revamp. Karan Johar will be retained while Jacqueline Fernandez is likely to step into Malaika Arora Khan’s shoes. Plus, two choreographers, just like in the last season.

Also, Shahid and anchor Manish Paul did not gel well together. They had had a cold war which resulted in tense moments on the sets. That’s probably what has prompted the makers to do a re-think about continuing with Shahid.