JOIN USHaving confidence in myself helps me do it all,” says Anand Vijay Kumar. Wondering who is this?
None other than the popular and quirky VJ Andy who has carved a place for himself in the Indian television industry.
From anchoring to acting (even if it was only for a cameo), he has done it all and is gung-ho about taking up new challenges.
“I came to India 10 years ago, to discover myself and the country accepted me with open arms,” says the VJ who is busy presently, rehearsing to prove his dancing skills in the upcoming Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 6.
“I am battled and bruised,” he says after rehearsing for hours. Even though he has received his training in dance previously, he says Jhalak... requires him to start from the scratch because, “I had given up dancing due to my back injury. But when I got the offer to participate in the dance show, I took it up thinking I need to give back to the people, the love they have given me,” he says, referring to the viewer support he received during Bigg Boss 7 on Colors.
Accepting another reality show (including anchoring India’s Got Talent) doesn’t make him feel stagnated in the world of reality shows.
“In IGT I was only present for few episodes and people have even appreciated the cameo that I played in a daily soap recently. I am learning a good deal through all these shows. But I feel I am better off when allowed to be myself,” says the anchor who has been criticised for his stint on IGT.
Having moved on from anchoring niche shows for youth on music channel to foraying into the world of General Entertainment Channel (GEC) Andy feels that when it comes to entertain the whole family, “You have to be intrinsically, emotionally funny and be absolutely sure of what you are saying (sic),” he jests referring to his BB 7 episode where
his humour rubbed others rather badly!
“I am much more comfortable with GEC audience now. Though I am worried about my performance in the dance show because in BB house I used to let myself be the way I am, but here I am going to be judged! My choreographer has been instrumental in improving my performance and people do like my performance. But when I go back and I am given notes on where all I was wrong, it gives me a wake up call!”
Considering his decade-long career in television as his personal journey, Andy pronounces, “I can’t be anything but me.”
Having had his share of ups and downs, he feels he is “really good under pressure” and is “absolutely open to discovering new opportunities.”
“Reality shows have been a great space and Bollywood has been beckoning me but I am in no rush. I want it all – the icing, the cake, the flowers and everything! But I am not going to jump into it,” he says matter-of-factly.
But before bidding adieu makes it a point to add, “Remember, ‘Vote for Andy’,” leaving a smile on the interviewer’s face. Will people vote for him this time too, we shall wait and watch.