He's had you in splits, whether playing pranks on unsuspecting victims or cross-dressed as ‘Semi Girebaal'; but there's nothing semi-funny about Cyrus Sahukar. The MTV VJ employs spontaneous wit and ludicrous satire to provide LOL moments to thousands of viewers every day. NXg caught up with the “Aisha” actor for one unforgettable interview.
How did you become a MTV VJ?
It's interesting how my career started. Since I was 15 I've been interested in arts and direction. I had sung for a couple of bands too. Back then MTV was huge! When I was 18, I joined the MTV VJ Hunt. Talk about being petrified! If 20,000 entries don't petrify you, nothing will. But I got selected for the top three, along with Minni Mathur and Asif Seth. Now I believe VJ Hunts are not rigged! It was a crazy moment!
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After that I was living out of a suitcase. We were travelling like crazy, moving from one city to the next with no breathing space.
Word of advice: you should never tell people like me that the food is free. Soon I started doing a show called “Fully Faltoo” and my career started picking up momentum. It was the first ever spoof show here. I next featured in a show called “Ek Do Teen” with Cyrus Broacha (it was later renamed Cyrus vs. Cyrus), and after that I did “Web Watch”, launched music shows.... The last eight years have been amazing.
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Meeting interesting people. You come across strange and quirky people daily. Travelling is another great part of being a VJ. One gets to journey through so many fantastic places. The biggest perk, for music lovers like me, is that you get to meet all your favourite musicians! I've met Shaan, Adnan Sami, Alanis Morissette to name a few. It's been wonderful.
Do you still sing?
I sing to myself mostly. Now I'm not so bad a singer as to be called a bathroom singer. On the other hand I'm not good enough for the stage either. Call me a Drawing room singer!
You're famous for your wit. What inspires your humour?
My source is observation. I'm a strange guy. I find everything quirky. When you travel, you meet people from all walks of life. Their eccentricities and peculiarities are fodder to my humour.
How was the transition from the small screen to the big?
It's been great. I've worked in a couple of films like “Rang De Basanti” and “Delhi 6” before “Aisha”, and have always had fun. I feel very lucky to have worked with the Bollywood veterans; the experience you get is very valuable. You get to learn new things everyday plus films immortalise you.
How did you land the role of Randhir Ghambir in “Aisha”?
I got a call from Rhea Kapoor one day. She had seen me in “Delhi 6” and wanted me to audition for “Aisha”. I gave an audition, and the director thought I was perfect for the role.
What are your forthcoming productions?
I'm writing for a production house and am planning to do a lot more shows soon. Hope my projects go well. Say a prayer for me.
We certainly will. What about your future as a VJ?
I'm always grateful that people watch me. So I would like to create a platform for young talent. I'd also love to do a mockumentary series. You know, a bit of variety never hurts. Oh, and I promise to try not being embarrassing. And keep making people laugh!
Quick takes
Favourite Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Favourite Movies: Gulzaar's movies, “As Good as it Gets” and “Shawshank Redemption”.
What's playing on your iPod? Sound track of Amores Perros.
Fast food: KFC
Fitness mantra: Functional training as I hurt my back.
Favourite hobbies: Gardening, cooking and documentaries.
Aishan is II Year B.A. Mass Communication and Journalism student at St. Mary's Degree College, Hyderabad.