Not an unusual show for her to judge, Sonakshi Sinha argues that Om Shanti Om draws masses towards Indian bhajans
Sonakshi Sinha
At a time when Bollywood's leading ladies are struggling to accommodate films in their busy schedules, Sonakshi Sinha has been juggling her Bollywood outings with television shows. Although she has shows like Indian Idol Junior (2015) and Nach Baliye 8 on her resume, Sinha took her fans by surprise when she agreed to be part of a devotional music show, Om Shanti Om, earlier this year. "I am a spiritual person," Sinha reasons about the show that sees contestants belt out contemporary versions of bhajans. "The concept excited me. It is an interesting way to enable the youth to reconnect with our culture. Today, we primarily listen to rock, jazz and other genres."
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Sonakshi Sinha
As though Sinha's appointment on the judges' panel was not surprising enough, the makers also caught viewers off-guard by roping in Yoga Guru, Swami Ramdev to. Sinha reveals that it was Ramdev who "found the divine voices [participants]". "He is lively and inspiring, because at his age, he is healthy and fit. He has a great sense of humour," she says.
The discussion on the depleting quality of content on television is not lost on Sinha, who instantly draws attention towards international shows for inspiration. "The scale on which Western television series are being mounted make them synonymous to movies. Probably, people want to see such shows being made in India. Better content is the need of the hour, and with the talent available here, it is only a matter of time before our shows also make a mark globally." Currently busy filming for the sequel of Happy Bhag Jayegi, Sinha says juggling work for the big and small screen leaves her with little time for other commitments. Yet, the tube enables her to connect with a wider audience. "Television has a wider reach. I can connect with a lot of people."