MTV’s hit reality show Roadies has always had a cult following in the country, and being associated with it earned a certain respect among fans. Regular viewers, who were used to seeing popular favourites Rannvijay Singha and more recently, Gurbani Judge host the show, were this year greeted by Gaelyn Mendonca instead.
In a year that has seen the show’s transition from using cars instead of motorcycles for transport, Gaelyn is looking to entertain viewers in her own unique way.
Ask her if she felt the pressure of stepping into the shoes traditionally worn by Roadies veterans, and there is no hesitation in her reply. “Yes, it is a challenge, Rannvijay is a size 11 and I’m 9,” she laughs, going on to explain that she did not take up the role with preconceived notions. “I want to present people with something fresh and new. If I pretend otherwise it would be unfair to the audience and my craft,” says the Mumbai girl over the phone.
As someone who was present throughout the audition stage of the show and interacted with thousands of youngsters from across the country, she says that the dominant emotion among young Indians is the drive to prove themselves.
She also stresses that the audience’ interest in reality television remains as strong as ever. “A lot of the new contestants were telling me that they were being recognised in public even though only the auditions had been shown on air.”
The 30 days the team spent on the road was a new experience for her. “The journey was incredible, and we’d move to a new city every four days. Witnessing all the action, drama, emotion and adrenaline firsthand and being right at the centre of it all was very exciting.”
Much like many others in her profession, she has also tried her hand at acting, having appeared in Nautanki Saala (2013). Ask her about a film career though, and she insists that she is a performer first and foremost. “Anyone who likes being on stage loves the adrenaline rush you get from going out and expressing themselves through performance. So I want to do anything related to performance that interests me.”
