She began as a HR executive then moved on to modelling after which it was acting and anchoring. Sampada Vaze, this sexy Maharashtrian who has anchored shows like Saas, Bahu Aur Saazish (Star news) and Hi-Life (Times Now), marks her return to anchoring with SAB TV’s new comedy show Comedy Ka King Kaun?

Mayur Lookhar caught up with her for a brief chat at the launch of Comedy Ka King Kaun.

Comedy shows have a tradition of having sexy hosts. Is it that why you are on Comedy Ka King…?
(Laughs) Let’s put this way. We have 13 handsome men (including Jaspal Bhatti) and two pretty women in Divya and me, so I see no reason why this show will fail.

Jokes apart, I’m chosen as an anchor not just to add glamour but also for my wit. If the viewers don’t get amused by the artists then they surely will derive pleasure by watching me.

What will this show do for your career?
As an actor one is accustomed to seeing me cry, playing serious roles. Often, you get tagged as a staid actor. I want to shed this somber image. People will be pleasantly surprised to see me in a new (and smiling) avatar.

The line-up for Comedy Ka.. presents an old look. What different does this show have to offer?
On the contrary, I think it pays to have experienced artists. As a viewer, I’ll be interested in watching a show when I know my favourite artist is part of it. Since I’ve joined, I’ve been receiving calls from my friends who are interested in knowing whether there’s an A or B artiste in my show. The beauty of this show lies in its format which has three segments – stand-up, jugalbandi and gags. Never before have we seen this in any show. Thus the format is the show’s USP.

A lot of contestants indulge in toilet humour. How will you deal with this?
At times they do but the channel has asked me to give it back to them. I remember one of the contestants remarked on my clothes but I was quick to reprimand him in my own inimitable way which left him speechless.

Do you agree that repetitive jokes have killed viewer interest?
Yes, that’s true but our judges have taken particular note of this and have reprimanded them whenever they’ve erred. However, they can’t be faulted every time as they merely follow the script that’s given to them.

Does that mean they don’t bring in any original content?
Ahhhh..! No, that’s not the case. It’s only the script for gags that the channel provides them. The rest (content for stand-up and jugalbandi) is produced by them.

Since you’ve hosted shows is this a cake walk?
Ah! Not really. Though, I have some experience but I would like to say that this my first proper show as an anchor. I too have faced jittery moments. Besides, my earlier venture as host was for a news channel. Thus, it’s an altogether new environment for me.

Why is your current show Pyar, Ishq aur Mohabbat is being pulled off air?
It’s not being pulled off air but it’s coming to its logical lend. After all, it was meant to be for 64 episodes only.

Are you done with saas-bahu roles?
There’s no way that you can ignore them. After all, that’s the popular trend. I’ve done a soap myself (Rishton Ki Dor). I’m very much open to them but will only accept one if it’s appealing.