Manish Paul - making sense out of nonsense

He has the gift of the gab and makes full use of it! Popular TV anchor Manish Paul, now set to host "India's Got Talent 4", says his strength lies in making sense out of nonsense. He also says he avoids fiction shows as they restrict his creative freedom.

As an actor and performer, Manish is multi-faceted. But ahead of the latest show in his kitty - "India's Got Talent 4", we asked him about his biggest talent.

"It is the way I talk," he replied, adding: "Making sense out of nonsense is my strength, and it does take a lot of effort to do it. I love talking, I can make fun of anybody without intending to hurt anyone. I truly think this is my strength."

He feels his job as the host of reality shows, live events and award functions is challenging.

"People think it is very easy to go on stage and just talk. But it's not like we can just go and stick to a script. It is important to innovate and improvise. We have some brilliant writers in all shows, but one has to be careful not to offend anyone.

"If Mr. Amitabh Bachchan is present for a show, we can't crack any and every joke on him. There has to be limited mazaak (humour) and masti (fun). Even with Shah Rukh Khan, the limit of the masti has to be kept in mind," added the 30-year-old, who has been a radio jockey earlier.

Manish got his first major break as an anchor with "Wheel Ghar Ghar Mein". Post that, he replaced Jay Bhanushali as anchor on Zee TV's dance reality show "Dance India Dance", and even anchored "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar". He is currently hosting the fifth season of dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa".

A Delhiite, Manish has been in Mumbai since 2005. He stepped into the acting world with TV show "Ghost Bana Dost", and followed it up with shows like "Chhoona Hai Aasmaan", "Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi" and "Pyaar Mein Twist".

He doesn't want to venture into non-fiction content again.

"I don't want to demean fiction shows. But I love doing what I am currently doing. I am what I am on reality shows and live shows. Fiction shows are not creatively satisfying for me. I didn't enjoy them much," he said.

On "India's Got Talent 4", which will go on air in September, he will share the stage as a host with comedian Cyrus Sahukar.