For Indian Idol host and former MTV veejay Mini Mathur, life has been far from predictable.
When she was studying medicine, her father veered her toward a bachelors degree in English Literature. While working in the client-servicing department of ad agency, Hindustan Thompson Associates (HTA), for about two years, Mathur even managed to acquire a masters degree in business administration.
When client-servicing reached a head, she went on a six-month hibernation to model for Rayban, Binny, Ruffles, Vimal sarees, Atlas
cycles, and Hero Honda, with the promise that she would return to HTA.
When that never materialised, she made her foray into television and became an anchorperson for the music countdown show Hit Hit Hurray on Sony TV, a beauty show on Zee (Khubsoorat), and a travel show on Star Plus (Indian Holidays). In between, while in New Delhi, she dabbled in theatre as well (House of Bernarda Alba and Misanthrope).
In 1999, MTV happened. At the MTV VJ Hunt, she mimicked Star TV anchor Simi Garewal interviewing Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni. “I did not know Garewal was one of the judges at the show. When the organisers asked me to do a re-think, I declined. I just went ahead and did it, hoping she (Garewal) had a sense of humour.” Garewal was not only amused by the take-off, but she also agreed with the other judges that Mathur was to be MTV’s new VJ.
When Mathur was in Bangalore many moons ago to promote wannabe crooners for the MTV Video Ga Ga show, she bared her soul to me. Here are excerpts from the interview. Njoy!
Model, actress, veejay. Which role did you enjoy doing most?
An amalgam of all these, so nothing becomes routine. I enjoy shuffling between them as it allows different personalities to come out of me. And veejaying lets me be myself. It’s nice doing all the three.
Has an MBA helped you in your career?
In a strange way. I never feel insecure about being in the media. There’s a kind of desperation among several people in the media that they missed out on education and would have loved to have a good education background.
OK, what’s the shelf life of a VJ?
Four and a half years… I am only one and a half years in this line, so I have a long way to go.
Does that mean Cyrus Broacha has lasted his shelf life?
No, he’s getting better and better every month.
Have you fought with Cyrus on the sets?
Never fought with Cyrus. In fact, I enjoy being with him because you never know what the man will come up with next. He never sticks to the script. It’s like a brain tango when you are with him. But the man can’t keep secrets. So that way, he’s dangerous. But then, he’s also the cutest thing on MTV. If you are feeling down and out, go to Cyrus and you are sure to come out of your depression.
How long did it take you to convince people that you were a beauty with brains?
I never thought myself to be a beauty. It’s far more complementing if someone calls you brainy. And I know many women who are beautiful and brainy. So I don’t see this (beauty with brains) as a working cliché.
What do your friends say about you?
I say the nastiest things to myself. Of course, there’s my brother who did a take-off on my high-pitched voice. Now I have toned down to the right modulation level.
Who is the film-maker you are married to?
Kabir Khan. He makes documentaries.
Was it a love marriage?
Why are you asking me very predictable questions?
So, it was a love marriage?
Yes, but let’s switch the topic.
OK, you once endorsed a product that said ‘100% taste, only 9% fat.’ Are you a fitness freak, too?
I am. I work out thrice a week, go swimming four times a week and I eat very healthy food with lots of juices, salad and anything that is non-fried and non-sugar. It’s not forced, I like it that way.
Do you wear minis to live up to your name?
I never wore a mini. Not because they are not comfortable, it’s just not my style. I use strapped tops and pants. That’s my scene.
Have you visited Bangalore before?
Yes. I have lots of friends here. I hit out with them at The Pub World and never miss going to Sunny’s whenever I am in town. Bangalore is nice, green, and cosmopolitan and there’s a young feel about the place. I feel very nice when I come to Bangalore. The only thing I don’t like is the 11 pm clampdown. That’s sad. When you are ready to go out, everything is shut.
I understand you spend Rs 15,000 a month in making calls on your cellphone. Are you such a chatterbox?
Who told you that? (laughs). Actually, it was true earlier. But now, I have achieved a decent balance between what I can afford and how much I want to talk. So now, it’s much lesser than Rs 15,000.
What happened to your foray into Hindi films with producer Ramesh Sippy?
The offer came when I had taken off on a holiday. And I did not want to come back for anything. It’s a pity.
Anything coming up in future?
Yes, there are two TV serials but I won’t talk about it because every time I talk about it, it never happens. But you will see them soon.
Do you have a sense of humour?
You tell me. (laughs)
I have some funny questions for you.
(uneasy pause) OK, shoot.
How is it possible to have a civil war?
(pauses) Very politely.
If FedEx and UPS were to merge, would they call it FedUp?
You have already answered it (claps). If you wanted one more, it could be SEx.
If women ran the Pentagon, would missiles and submarines be shaped differently?
(laughs, pauses, laughs) I don’t answer sexist questions. And no, I don’t have a sense of humour.
Should electric crematoriums give discounts for burn victims?
(picks up Bangalore Weekly and raps this reporter’s knuckles) How mean… it’s black humour (grows serious) No discounts.
If God sneezes, what should you say?
If god sneezes, we will get rain.
If women wear a pair of pants, a pair of glasses and a pair of earrings, why don’t they wear a pair of bras?
(laughs) Go away, your time is up. You should ask these kinds of questions to the two Cyruses (Broacha and Sahukar). Spend five minutes with them and you have got your dose of humour for the next five years.
