Sajid Khan is the undisputed King of comedy. Having begun his career as a TV host almost a decade ago, Sajid introduced a brand of humour that viewers have not been used to. Sajid moved on to act( where he flopped miserably) and then direct one of the biggest hits of 2007, Heyy Baby.

The actor turned director now returns to television as a judge on Sony's fun-filled show Champion Chaalbaaz.No.1 Sajid speaks on his role and more in an exclusive chat with Mayur Lookhar.

At a time when you're reaping success in Bollywood, your return to television comes as a surprise.
I was never out of television. My show Ikke pe Ikka is still being telecast. I had merely taken a sabbatical. I was busy working on my film Heyy Babyy. It would not have been fair to divert my energy elsewhere. I put in my heart and soul into this film. It really stressed me out. I've already thought of my second film but I'll begin work only in mid 2008. Presently, I'm free and that's why I decided to return to television.

Pic By MITESH BHUVAD

Why did you agree to be a judge on Champion Chaalbaaz No.1?
The concept of finding a prankster really appealed to me. Besides, I share great relations with the channel (Sony). I did my first TV show (Kehne Main Kya Harz Hai) with them which lasted for ten years.

As a judge what is it that you seek in a contestant?
Purely laughter! And especially he/she should make Cyrus and me laugh. The judges marks carry 60% weightage while the rest will be in the hands of the studio audience. It's important that both the judges and studio audiences are made to laugh. You don't have to be good looking or presentable. One has to be innovative.

But there could be a situation wherein the judges don't find the prank amusing but the audience does and vice-versa. What will you do then?
In fact, it's happened once on the show. The audience liked a particular prank but neither Cyrus nor me appreciated it. We'll be dissecting each and every prank and it's only then that we'll give our final verdict.

How do you differentiate between ragging and a prank?
Ragging is something where you genuinely hurt a person. It's taking a joke a bit too far. A prank is one wherein say you make fun of your friend but both of you enjoy a healthy laugh over it.

But what might appear to you as a prank could be considered as ragging by some.
Fortunately, Cyrus and I will not be playing a prank in the show. However, if ever someone is hurt by the antic of our contestants, I'll be the first one to apologize.

What is it like to work with Cyrus?
Its great fun. More than me my mother is very happy that I'm finally working with Cyrus. She was always keen on me working with him. I have worked with Cyrus for stage shows but it's for the first we'll be working together on television.

Does it help to have like-minded person as a fellow judge?
Indeed it does. Often you see television shows wherein the judges squabble over a difference of view. Fortunately, Cyrus is a lot like me. Before our first shoot, I told him not to fight with me on the stage. Thus far, he's behaved very well.

Pic By MITESH BHUVAD

You reportedly were critical of the current state of comedy on television?
Yes. I still am unhappy with what's been shown today. I don't feel like laughing after watching these shows.

But haven't comedy shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge unearthed new talent?
They have and I'm in particularly fond of Raju Srivastav and Sunil Pal. They are genuine talent. They have been able to connect with the common man. However, while these guys are funny they may not necessarily make me laugh every time. A Cyrus Broacha really amuses me. So does Karan Johar.

What about Mandira Bedi?
Well, she used to make me and every true blue-blooded cricket lover laugh when she began her journey as a cricket expert. However, she grew with time and thereafter I didn't' laugh much at her as I felt she's gained knowledge on the game.

Don't you think that humour in India has become very sexist?
I'm happy that things are finally changing. In fact, Indians, actually the men have always been like this.

But aren't we still a conservative society?
It's only certain people who have made it conservative to suit their conveniences. Otherwise India is the most sex starved nation in the world.

Moving away from television, your film was a huge hit and it was not only the audience and critics but even your colleagues in the industry lauded you. Comment.
Honestly speaking, I was never waiting to be judged by my colleagues in the industry. I make a film for the masses and it's their appreciation that I cherish the most. Our industry is such wherein people openly praise you but behind your back they'll want your film to bomb. I've never endorsed such thinking. If we directors can produce a hit then it will only benefit the industry.

When will we see Sajid Khan acting in a film?
I'm disappointed to tell you that it will never happen again. I don't think I possess the face that's required for an actor. I only acted in Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate. I was terrible, the film was terrible. I only accepted it as it was a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film.

You're still single. Aren't you looking to settle down in life?
I haven't given it a thought yet. I'm 37 now. So, I don't know whether I'll get too many proposals. The other day, my mother too was telling me to settle down. I replied saying 'mom's it high time that you settle down'.