Apart from the three idiots, the NRI from California, Omi Vaidya, definitely had a big role in making Raju Hirani’s film a sleeper hit. His portrayal of Chatur Ramalingam left everyone rolling on the floor and his ‘chamatkar/balatkaar’ speech has gone down in the history of Bollywood for sure. The immensely talented actor, who has done a number if shows on American television including Arrested Development, The Office, E-mail Surveillance and Fun Run is making his debut on Indian television as the host of Chhote Ustaad. Omi spoke to TellyChakkar about his career, reality shows and future plans. You have become an iconic character in films. Why suddenly television? I want to do both. I don’t think it is right to compare the two media and say one is better than the other. For me both are equal. As you may know, I have worked in a number of television shows in the US. To top it, Chhote Ustaad has a very interesting message to pass on. It brings together children from India and Pakistan through music. I am confident about this one. Do you watch Indian television? I do watch musical shows, but not any soap operas. I hate to watch weepy shows. Music shows make me happy. It’s also a good research for my hosting. Hosting such a show is not an easy task. Would language prove to be a barrier? I have hosted some award functions so I am not new to hosting. However, there is no denying that hosting a show like Chhote Ustaad is completely different from award functions. I like hosting because you get instant feedback, you can look at the audience and get to know whether your performance is good or bad. Talking about language, I think my shhudh Hindi will be cute and appeal to a lot of people! Jokes apart, I am taking Hindi classes and my grasp over the language is improving. But I will still need time. I will speak a mix of Hindi and English in the show. What kind of relationship you will share with the contestants? How you will make them comfortable? Well I am going to tell them not to be embarrassed and shy in whatever they do. Look at me, I can’t speak proper Hindi, am from a different country but I got success in the Hindi film industry. You just need to give it your best, that’s what people want to see. And personally I believe I am going to learn a lot from this show which will start with some great music. Tell us something about the films you are working on… I am currently working on Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil To Bachcha Hai Jee and Abbas-Mustan’s remake of The Italian Job. Both are exciting projects to work in. It is about love and relationships in big cities. For Abbas Mustan’s movie, you can watch the English original! The directors have, however told me that the Hindi remake is going to be quite different and I can work on anything! However, I know my limitations. . How has life changed after 3 Idiots? Life has obviously changed a lot. It feels great when your work is appreciated by people. Don’t you like when a fellow commuter or your neighbour praises your article? The exactly same situation happens to me as well. I have been getting close to 1000 requests on Facebook every day. That itself makes me loved by so many people across the world. It is a fascinating feeling. You must be aware of one of three idiots Madhavan aka ‘Farhan Quereshi’ is also hosting a game show on a rival channel… Oh really? I was not aware of that. It better not be on the same time slot. I am pretty sure he will also do a nice job.