Here’s a piece of trivia for film and tech buffs. Guess which actor worked part-time at the Nokia store in London? The answer isn't online. Well, it’s Kalki Koechlin. And therefore, the actor believes life's come full circle for her as she is now working with Nokia once again — but this time she’s judging the Nokia Lumia — Your Wish is My App contest. “The originality of the show appealed to me. When Nokia and Rajiv Makhni briefed me about the campaign, I simply couldn’t resist the offer and said yes,” says Kalki.
Nokia Lumia — ‘Your Wish is My App’ gave consumers an opportunity to submit mobile application ideas that have the potential to be developed into successful apps. The campaign received around 35,000 entries and it gradually turned into an app reality show. The nine episodes will see 42 contestants battle it out for the top spot which offers prize money to the tune of Rs.10 lakh.
First-time experience
This is the first time Kalki is judging a reality show. She says she is constantly surprised at the brilliant ideas for apps that kids come up with. These include dealing with issues such as safety, security of women, health, car pooling and location-based search services. “The ideas for the apps will be judged on parameters such as originality, relevance of the app, potential for revenue and practicality. I am sure it will put us in a tight spot while deciding the winner,” she says.
The other judges on the show are New York-based Michelin star celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, NDTV managing editor and tech guru Rajiv Makhni, managing director of DisneyUTV Digital Vishal Gondal and venture capitalist and co-founder of Harvard Business School Alumni Angels, Raj Chinai.
A complete gadget freak, who loves to explore the latest to hit the market, is she also an apps person? “Apps play a major part in my daily life. I love exploring apps on my phone and downloading them. I especially love checking out apps relating to photography and filmmaking. Besides, one app that I use the most is ‘Nokia Here’, to navigate and search for destinations. I have personalised it with some of my favourite destinations and feel secure knowing it will work even in areas with poor data connectivity.”
Apart from the show, the actor is busy promoting Ek Thi Dayan and finishing Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani , scheduled to release in May. “I am also working on a small film directed by Shonali Bose titled Margarita, With a Straw ,” she signs off.
Nokia Lumia — Your Wish is My App airs on NDTV Profit every Saturday at 9 p.m.
