Mohinder 'Jimmy' Amarnarth has always lived life in style. Even during his cricketing days, he was known to be different from the rest. Be it his slow medium pace bowling, unique batting stance or the ultra-heavy bat -- Jimmy was always the odd man out. A lot of his popularity can be attributed to his being 'different' from the rest. But at the same time, he was Mr Dependable as well. Team India could rely on him always during any crisis situation -- be it the 1983 Prudential Cup or the test matches that followed, with West Indies. At 60, and on an entirely different playground (the stage of Jhalak), Jimmy still retains his charm, energy and enthusiasm. Despite being voted out last week, he still is the gentleman a cricketer is always expected to be. Tellychakkar spoke to him on a variety of topics, including Jhalak...

The obvious question first -- what made you say yes when Jhalak was offered to you?

I love challenges. I strongly believe that if we take on challenges life has much better things in store for us. So, when Jhalak was first offered to me, I saw it as a challenge and immediately decided to take it up. Of course, there were different thoughts going on in my mind and even my family was doubtful whether I would be able to do justice to my reputation or not. But after a lot of debates and discussions, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. My daughter Nikki -- who is a walking dictionary of Bollywood -- played a key role in my decision making!

Though I had never learned dancing or danced on stage, like any other Indian, I had danced during marriage ceremonies and other parties. With that confidence I went ahead, and I don't regret my decision!

What is the best memory you are carrying back from Jhalak…?

I think the respect I got from everyone associated with the show is something I will never forget. Specially the three judges who were supportive even when I made some wrong steps. I don't think I would have come this far without their active encouragement.

But I think the most memorable event was when I entered Jhalak House for the first time. In an impromptu session, everyone started dancing to their favourite tunes. I started dancing to a Punjabi tune, and before I knew, everyone had joined me. That was really nice and I felt very warm at their gesture.

One big learning from this show was how each contestant, despite being in a stiff competition, is on good terms with each other. Everyone is vying for the same title, but cheering each other up as well. This really went a long way in motivating people like me to put in my best during every performance.

You must be feeling sad at being voted out?

I am not sad, since that is the rule of the game. Throughout my cricketing career, I have accepted the decision of the umpire gracefully, whether I have liked it or not. Jhalak… was no different. I feel I have done pretty well on the show and am very happy.

Who do you think will win the contest this time?

I feel the person who will remain fit and healthy and show consistency till the end of the show will win. A reality show is all about hard work, determination, mental and physical strength. I feel, Gauhar Khan is a very good dancer. Hard Kaur is also very good and has a slight edge because of her musical sense. She can feel the music much better than the rest and perform accordingly.

Talking about Hard Kaur, she has a very interesting relation with you...

She is an amazing girl. It is really sad how people misjudge her by seeing her tough exterior. She has a very soft heart and I am really overwhelmed at her showing so much respect for me and considering me like her father. Hard is full of energy always, and I have never seen her sitting quietly anywhere! May God bless her.

Moving to cricket, what is your opinion on IPL moving out of India?

I don't want to comment because I am not sure whether it deserves so much attention, hype and hoopla! At the same time, I must say, if it is the Indian Premier League, it should happen in India. Cricket is like a religion in India and I don't think anywhere else people are so fanatic about the game.

Are you watching the cricket matches happening currently?

Actually I am not a good spectator! I am not following the India New Zealand matches. I am more of a player than a spectator. I prefer reading and listening to music to watching cricket.