Maximum value. That’s what one gets when dealing with Navjot Singh Sidhu. So be it maximum value (six) for a cricket shot, maximum electoral votes, maximum laughter and even maximum answers to a single query!

Apart from sharing his cricketing expertise, Sidhu is currently entertaining viewers on the fun-filled show Funjabbi Chak De . The former cricketer, versatile television personality, and a Member of Parliament spoke at maximum length in tête-à-tête with Mayur Lookhar.

Navjot Singh Sidhu is hitting more sixes on TV than he did on the cricket field.
Let’s put it this way. 19 years of international cricket, 6 years of commentary, four years in politics and then Laughter Challenge. I reckon Laugther Challenge has given me a new identity. When I played cricket, people called me ‘Sixer Sidhu’. Now wherever I go, they call me ‘Oye Guru’. I’ve believed that there’s no permanent name and fame than the endeavour to give happiness to mankind.

Pic By Mitesh Bhuvad

At the cost of laughing at yourself?
Anyone who gives is a daata(giver) while one who takes is a beggar. Sleep and you snore alone. If you can make one happy at your own cost, it’s worth its weight in gold.

We haven’t’ seen you in the commentary box for a long time. Any particular reason?
At the moment, I have my hands in many pies. The busy man has no time for tears. After all, I can only handle that much. Doing commentary will require me to do travel for around 10 months of a year. When entrusted with any responsibility, I make sure that I enjoy it. Besides, I’ve lived out of a suitcase for far too long.

Does it mean we shall never see you in the commentator’s box?
It’s probable but not possible. The only way I see a return to commentary is by quitting politics, which at the moment looks unlikely.

What about the verbal volleys with Sir Geoffrey Boycott?
Geoffrey was the big bully in the com-box and he felt that he had the divine right to pin down any Indian who sat besides him. However, I tore off his pants, ripped him apart. Having said that, I have high regards for him both as a player and a commentator. I rate him as the best commentator alongside Ian Chappell.

Laughter Challenge was a huge hit but the same cannot be said about Funjabbi Chak De . It’s generated very low TRPs.
When Funjabbi … started, the focus was more on the acts than stand-up comedy. These acts were not the character of Laughter Challenge. We were quick to realize this and so stand-up comedy replaced the acts. Ever since this has occurred, the show is slowly gaining momentum. The last 10 episodes have been really good. The comedy has come back.

How do you rate Mandira on the show?
Mandira is a television genius. She makes everyone feel comfortable, never puts anyone down. She has this charismatic, magnetic aura around her which in the visual media pulls the viewer to her. She is the spark which ignites the show.

Mandira says that she doesn’t let you do all the talking. That’s quite an achievement for her.

(Laughs) I give her ample space. Here (Funjabbi ..), it’s an ocean. There’s space for everyone. Democracy is like a barber’s chair, it fits everyone’s bottom. We share a great chemistry and have mutual respect for each other. Besides, I can’t do everything all by myself.

Parizaad, Shonali and now Mandira. You always have beautiful girls for company.
(Laughs) A drop of honey always catches more flies than a gallon of vinegar. I’m honey man.

What’s your current equation with Shekhar Suman?
I respect him as a professional. He’s a great institution, an example of how one must have the tenacity to claw out of a difficult situation and carve a name for oneself. He’ got a beautiful (six pack) body. Mind you, I have 24 packs. He has created an identity of his own. I respect him as a professional.

What about the personal equation?
Personal equation doesn’t come into the picture. There may be differences but as a professional you need to set them aside and work together. With Mandira it’s more like a family.

Sidhu’s ‘Sidhuism’ and his style of humour have become monotonous. Comment.
Change is not necessarily progress. A mark of failure is trying to please everyone and he who tries pleasing everyone, pleases none. My father always stated that there’s no solution to what people have to say about you. It’s the tree which is laden with fruit that is pelted with stones. If I can please 60 people, I needn’t worry about the remaining 40. Trouble arises when you go unnoticed.

You were supposed to do a Bollywood film with Shekhar and Omar Sharif. What happened to that?
No. I was never part of any such film. I’m doing a Punjabi film ‘Mera Pind’. I’ll be adjudicating the fourth season of Laughter Challenge. Besides I’ll continue my duties as a cricket expert.

And what about politics?
Politics to me is a mission and not a profession. Mission presents the larger perspective. In the long run, I see myself settling down in the quicksand of politics. The more you try to wriggle out of it, the more you get sucked into it. Politics is a powerful tool to make a difference to people’s life.

Is Sidhu a sentimental politician?
There is no human being who is not sentimental. You’re not a robot. If Kapil Dev didn’t cry like a baby, no one would have believed his innocence. That did not belittle him. People have this notion that celebrities care less about emotions. We are like normal human beings.

What are the challenges that lie ahead of you?
The biggest challenge for a politician is to erase the image of the ugly politician. People have lost faith in politicians. I want to bring this trust back. There are rich people but a good name is worth all the riches in life. The people of Amritsar have entrusted their faith in me, thus it’s important for me to live up to their exceptions.

Hasn’t this (politics) been an overwhelming ride for you?
Life itself has been very overwhelming for me. God has been kind to me. Once you leave cricket, the white flannels go off and 2-3 years down the line, no one recognizes you. There are great cricketers who have become forlorn entities. Somewhere down the line every hero becomes a zero. I reckon, I still enjoy that recognition.