She knows her mind and speaks it too.

Shattering stereotypes and going against the tide is inherent to Neena Gupta. That's why the actress, producer, director was chosen as host of Star Plus' new game show Kamzor Kadii Kaun, the Indian version of the BBC hit game show -- The Weakest Link.

KKK went on air on December 25.

Though Neena has tried interactive shows before, Kamzor Kadii Kaun could well be her chance of breaking new ground. For the host is biting and she will always have the last word.

As the show's producer-director Siddharth Basu put it, "Neena is the woman on top."

Kshama Rao chatted with the artiste on the sets of of the game show at Filmcity. Here are excerpts:

With KKK, aren't you breaking your image of an actress?

I don't have any image. I have reached a stage in my career where my image doesn't bother me.

I have had more than enough changes in my images. When I did Saans, people actually thought I would do the role of the 'other woman' -- they thought I would perhaps suit that better. But when they saw the serial, they accepted me as the wife.

As an actor, you can't have images.

What made you accept this show?

I saw no reason as to why I should not do the show. I found it extremely interesting and challenging.

But aren't you worried about the viewers' reaction to the 'nasty hostess' avatar?

No. The very reason I took this up is because I know I can accept the criticism or appreciation that will come my way.

Moreover, I'm not rude to the contestants. It's just that like the hostess of the original show, Ann Robinson, I mean business. I am the ringmaster and the contestants are a part of my game. If they fare poorly, I am definitely going to spank them. If they do well, I will pat their backs, verbally.

Will you be like the real-life Neena Gupta on the show?

You will see Neena Gupta but she will play a character of the hostess. She is not the real me.

What will your tag line be?

*smiles* "Aap is round ke kamzor kadii hain. Aap jaa sakte hain. Namaste."

The rapidfire questions in the show are in chaste Hindi. Is that difficult?

No, in fact, my fluency in the language is my advantage. Since I have an M Phil in Sanskrit, I'm more cautious about the grammar and the sentence construction. I look at the questions before the shoot so that there are no problems on the sets.

Having said that, we are not rigidly following the Hindi-speaking rule.

How has the experience been so far, now that you have shot a few episodes?

Very taxing. But, it's enjoyable too. When I am shooting I think only about the show, as the concentration has to be maximum. I will neither receive calls nor make them.

The show requires me to be very alert. I have to think on my toes, constantly. Nothing about the show is rehearsed. It's all impromptu.

Who designed your wardrobe for this show? Will it be all black?

My wardrobe has been designed by Ashima and Leena Singh. I will wear only black -- that's the dress code of the show. The hostess is supposed to have that 'evil' aura around her. *smiles*

That's why I won't even leave my hair open but tie it in a bun so it gives that 'headmistress' stature.

After the long spell of Kaun Banega Crorepati and the other game shows on other channels, do you think viewers are game for more shows?

Yes. I think KKK has the potential of a good game show. Viewers will certainly like it.

Do you like doing interactive shows?

*smiles* Immensely. I love talking to people.

India News Feature Service