The name conjures myriad images. From a sari-clad Shanti, to a demure Priti in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, to her noodle straps on Extraaa Innings, Mandira Bedi has gathered quite a loyal fan following. Mandira Bedi tends to follow cricket and cricketers. She was a jury member in ESPN-Star's reality show Dream Job (hunt for a cricket anchor) and now she shares screen space with Navjot Sidhu on Star One's comedy show Funjabbi Chak De.

Tellychakkar caught up with Mandira on the sets of Funjabbi Chak De. Excerpts:

Pic by Mitesh Bhuvad

Has it been easy to hold your own before the vociferous Sidhu?
On the contrary, it's been me who's now beginning to overshadow him. In the initial weeks, I only offered a grin and did appear a bit laidback. I was then told to be at ease and simply enjoy myself. Now there are times where I don't let Sidhuji speak. Honestly speaking, I've never laughed like this in a long time.

The show has failed to generate enough TRPs. Comment.
No. I don't agree. It's the number one show on Star One.

Unfortunately, that's not the case. Dill Mill Gayye occupies the top spot.
Sorry! It's the best non-fiction.
(But official reports say that it is Bol Baby Bol).

What according to you has gone wrong for Funjabbi Chak De?
Today, TRPs have to be measured on a different scale. A lot of new channels have cropped up thus the viewership pie has been shared.

Don't you think this show will mainly appeal to the northern belt?
Perhaps, with a name like Funjabbi, it might appear so. However, I've had people from Bangalore and Hyderabad appreciating this show.

You were part of ESPN-Star's Dream Job that too didn't evince much viewer interest. Your thoughts.
Though I had a pleasant experience, I must admit that the show didn't catch on well. Personally, I think they (Star Cricket) just didn't promote the show well at all. Not many people were even aware of it. Besides, on sports channels, people will watch such shows only when there is no live cricket. Dream Job coincided with Pakistan's tour of India. Thus all eyes were glued to Neo Sports.

What else is keeping you busy?
I have two films - one Hindi and South Indian. Once the shooting commences, I shall be able to talk more on it.

Now that SET Max has bagged the Indian Premier League rights, will we see Mandira return to Extraaa Innings?
It's too early to comment because they (channel) haven't approached me yet. But given an opportunity, why would I not do it again? At the moment, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.