In the media glare for all the wrong reasons, Rakhi has now somewhat turned a new leaf. She now projects a far more restrained persona, better taste in clothes and has even cultivated the art of diplomacy. From one reality show to another, Rakhi has stayed in public memory. But it was the Bigg Boss show which offered her the most. Currently the outspoken Rakhi is hosting a talk show where she invites Bollywood celebs to put them under the Rakhi scanner.

There is a lot more to the sexy siren than her voluptuous body. Within the confines of her home Rakhi is a simple girl who enjoys cooking and loves to have fun. A very religious person, Rakhi believes that whatever she has achieved so far is by the grace of God. She continues to raise the bar for herself.

Rakhi in an exhilarating chat with Tellychakkar.com.

Dancing, acting, reality shows and now anchoring. How has the journey been?

It’s been a fruitful journey and it feels great. Dance is in my blood that is something I can never do without. But now I have added a new feather to my cap I am hosting a talk show.

What was your first reaction when you were approached for the show?

I was in double mind as the channel is a glamour channel which is favourite with the classes and I am a favourite with the masses. How would I cater to the classes? But the channel changed me completely, my diction and hairstyle. They have given me a glamorous look altogether and I think that is working pretty well with my viewers.

What are the two important requisites for a good host?

Confidence and beauty.

Who are your favourite hosts?

Oprah Winfrey, Rajat Sharma, Prabhu Chawla, Karan Johar.

How difficult was it for you as a host as one is supposed to think on her feet?

It wasn’t difficult at all. I am very spontaneous and I can speak on any issue. I do a research on the celebrities who come on my show and only after I am satisfied with my research and its outcome that I question them.

What is the biggest compliment that you have ever received?

I had gone for the premiere of Jane Tu Ya Jane Na where I bumped into Mr. Bachchan. It was my heartfelt desire to invite him to my show so I approached him and introduced myself adding that I was a big fan of his. Mr. Bachchan in return said, “Namaskar Rakhi, apko kaun nahi janta (Rakhi, who doesn’t know you)”. My jaw dropped. It felt so great that Big B knew me.

Don’t you feel that channels use you to garner TRPs?

I never feel that as they are doing their business. It’s not mandatory for them to always speak about my strengths. I don’t think they can use me. The only regret that I have today is when I lost out on a reality show it was covered by all and sundry as the breaking news and they showed me sulking and crying. But when I won another reality show nothing was written about. I am disappointed with that but I have no grudges. These channels are my Annadata (provider) and the media is my Godfather.

You are said to be very religious and pray to almost ?

Yes I do believe in God. I religiously pray to Mother Mary, Jesus, Ganpati and Shani Dev. I am seeing growth personally and professionally by day. My astrologer has told me that I have seen only 10% of my destined success. He also tells me that I will become a minister one day. I didn’t trust him earlier but when I see things happening as predicted by him I have started believing in him. How can a person predict with such accuracy? I still can’t come to terms with the fact that I am meeting such big celebs and interviewing them. I have never thought something like this would take place in my life.

How do you chill out?

I love catching up with movies and munching on hot popcorn while watching my favourite film. I am crazy about chocolates and indulge in them all the time. I love to go for shopping especially to buy stuff for my home. I am a very simple girl and have no tantrums.

What are your unfulfilled dreams?

I have faced a lot in life which is being written, talked about and discussed everywhere. But there is more to Rakhi than this. I want to do a lot of things in life. I want to help people who need help and want to grow professionally in life.

I have done nothing as yet. I am very happy. I have just taken one step- there is lots more to be done. I want to do movies.

Any more reality shows?

Not as of now I am on a break for a while.

What else is in the pipeline?

I am doing a movie with Sanjay Dutt titled Mukti. Then I am doing another movie with Shahid and Rani Mukherji which is produced by Yash Raj Films. For the first time I will play the second lead in a movie.