'I don't want money or fame'

Balraj is an actor-turned-anchor who is known for his witty humour and spontaneous one-liners. He has been impressing celebrities and television audience with the show 'Entertainment Ki Raat'.

It's probably his natural flair for comedy that manages to tickle the funny bones of even the most serious of celebrities. He spoke to Anila Kurian about what it's like to be a celebrity host.

Did you always want to  be part of the entertainment industry?

Not at all! I wanted to become an IPS or someone in the law. But due to some financial conditions at home, I had to drop my studies and find a job.

Did you ever complete your graduation?

I did after a while and I took part in many extra circular activities at the time. Eventually, I realised that the industry has an eye for standup comedians and that's when the show 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' took place. Long story short, I am a television host who makes people laugh.

Was it easy for you to find a job here?

Unlike many others who joined the industry, I didn't have any contacts. I just happened to know Kapil Sharma and a few others like him when I moved to Mumbai. I just hung around with them and six years later, I was recognised.

What are some of the shows you're working on?

I'm the host of Colors TV's 'Entertainment Ki Raat'. I also have a Bollywood film which I've signed up for. But apart from that, I don't have anything else in the pipeline.

You host many celebrities on the show. Do you find it difficult to make them laugh?

There have been cases where I have to do a homework to understand the humour the guests likes. I do take a risk with few others but thankfully none of them has backfired. I mean, who else will ask Salman Khan what he likes to do on 'karvachauth' (laughs)

What are some of the things you want to accomplish in the industry?

I don't want money or fame. I just want to work hard enough and entertain the audience. I know that I have succeeded when people will want to watch my own show just because I am in it and not what I am doing.

 Are you coming to Bengaluru anytime soon?

I have been there a couple of times and I really like the buildings here. The traffic is quite bad though. Having said that, if there is an event that someone wants me to host, I'd be happy to be drop by!