It's been long since we saw her million-dollar smile. The wait is finally over as Perizaad Zorabian returns to the small screen as a judge in a new reality show Krazy Kiya Re on SAB TV.

After beginning her career with a TV show Hum Pardesi Ho Gaye, Perizaad found a foothold in Bollywood but did only a few but distinct films. The pretty Parsi gal isn't new to judging as she has already adjudged Harsha Ki Khoj on Star Sports. However, Krazy Kiya Re is a different ballgame. Despite a family tragedy (her grandfather passed away a week before the show's launch), Perizaad is all upbeat about her new venture.

In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar, Perizaad speaks on Krazy Kiya Re, on being clubbed as a Hinglish actor and much more.

How do you manage to sport this beautiful smile in trying times?
A lot of credit for this goes to my family, the manner in which I've been brought up. I'm not only lucky to have wonderful parents but my husband (Boman) is the most adorable guy. And, of course, my beautiful daughter. For me, happiness just keeps flowing.

Is Perizaad old enough to be a judge on a reality show?
I agree that I haven't done enough to be a judge. However, this show is very youthful, it's all about masti and madness. The contestants are all young and vibrant. I think they've balanced Sachinji out with me. Age does give you a seniority, a position to be among the jury but young people too know what they want. I've accomplished so much in life and so I'd like to believe I merit a place here.

Krazy Kiya Re isn't the usual singing reality show. As for one who has never learnt singing, how do you fit the bill here?
I'm the first one to admit that I'm a horrible singer. I've been a professional dancer for 12 years. Through dancing, you can understand rhythm and music better. Singing is also music. So we can say that dancing and singing are two sides of the same coin. I'm here in the capacity of a common man and that's how I will judge.

What's your criterion for judging?
I can't be as technical as Sachinji. I'll primarily judge a contestant on his/her overall performance and presentation. Also, I'd be looking whether there has been any growth in their singing.

Judging in this show is extremely difficult. Isn't it like a khichdi?
Khichdi! You've said it right. But that is where the challenge lies. Are you good enough to understand it? Initially, I too was a bit hesitant as to how one could sing an Aati kya Khandala to the tune of Race saanson ki. However, it turned to be really great.

Is it fair to say that you're making a comeback to television with this show?
Well, I've been out of action for over a year so you could say that it's a comeback to both films and TV. I've got a few films up for release this year. There is N Chandra's Breaking News, Kabhi Up Kabhi Down with Sanjay Suri, another film called Highway 203 and a British film Exitz.

But aren't you looking to act in TV shows?
I'm looking at being versatile. Plus, time is a constraint for me now. My daughter is six months old so I don't think I'll be able to give in maximum days in a month for a TV show. However, if a great opportunity was to rise then I would think over it.

You've always been tagged as a Hinglish actor. How do you react to this?
I feel stereotyped and very limited. True, I haven't done a hardcore commercial Hindi film but I've always chosen films purely out of my own choice.

You've been neither in films nor on TV. Was it a conscious decision to do limited work?
I've always made a conscious effort to do things exactly as I wanted. I have never looked at how many projects there are in my hands or whether I need to devote n number of days in a month. I've done things out of choice and have never bothered to know whether it's for good or bad.

You have the distinction of playing Indira Gandhi in a Chinese film. How was that experience?
Most people felt that I very much resembled a young Indira. However, it wasn't all rosy while filming. When the director first saw me, he said 'Indila'. Sadly, that's how most people in China started calling me. There was a scene where the entire crowd was referring to me as Indila. Every time they got it wrong, I was left to say "Excuse me, it's Indira!" Personally, I don't think I looked too convincing but it was pleasant experience.

Finally, how's your poultry business doing?
It's been going great. When I was pregnant I was actively involved with my father in managing the business. We've even campaigned for Zorabian poultry together. Zorabian chicken is the best. Post my delivery, I had to stop it.

Do you eat Zorabian chicken regularly?
Well, I've been eating it every day. I need to have daily to improve my protein intake.