In this interview, MTV’s Semi Girebaal turns the tables to bring you a candid rendezvous with the one and only Simi Garewal…

She’s starred with Indian Cinema’s brightest stars and with a glowing career as hostess where world’s most famous celebrities have willingly cried their heart out on her immensely popular TV series. She’s the eternally elegant, constantly charming, first lady of indian chat shows — the unimitable Simi Garewal

Semi Girebaal: I’m a big fan and in awe with the way you deal with celebrities. May I please shake your hand, the way you do with the rich and famous?
Simi Garewal: Of course Semi, thank you for the compliment and please call me Simi.

Semi: As someone who has always moved around with the movers and shakers what do you have to say about the booming Indian economy?
Simi: Well, Semi, I’ve always believed in India and us, Indians. It is also our duty to support and contribute in any way we can. Like just a month ago, I was at a soiree party with Ratan, I think it was after cocktails when we were taking a stroll on his private beach and being visionaries, I said to Ratan that it’s great to have the Nano for the masses but now it’s time we also think about the growing classes. It’s here that I sowed the seeds of the Jaguar-Land Rover deal in Ratan’s mind.

Semi: Now let’s talk about India’s other passion —Cricket. What do you think about the IPL and the glamour associated with game?
Simi: I have enjoyed my tea and cream crackers while watching a Test at the Lord’s in England. Cricket like life is a beautiful game in which you win some and you lose some, but it’s always about getting back on your feet. You know what I mean, right? But anyways, I think the IPL is more Bollywood than cricket. In fact, I was telling Pammi the other day that I’m actually considering buying my own cricket team.

Semi: That is great news, any particular players you have in mind. Tell us more…
Simi: Well Semi, I’ll be honest, I’m a bit biased towards the older generation of cricketers. The men who not only had talent but grace. I’m talking about the Vivs, the Pataudi’s, the Don’s (God rest his soul). Let’s see if I can talk them out of retirement.

Semi: If  I could just ask, have you thought of a name for your cricket team, any anthem as such?
Simi: Actually, I have given it some thought. My team would be about purity and grace, so we are toying with a name like The White Knights.

Semi: You really have a way of connecting with the emotional side of people. Even some of our shy celebs have opened up to you. How do you do it?
Simi: See Semi, it’s about embracing your own soul at first. Once you do that, a cosmic connection is bound to happen with anyone you meet. That’s my little secret to be honest. Like take Aamir for instance. The other day we were spending a weekend at his Panchgani Villa and the normally coy Kiran warmed up to me after I shared my Gobi in Teriyaki sauce recipe with her. See it’s all about touching that chord with someone.

Semi: Speaking about touching a chord, do you find the need to connect with audience once again. As you may have heard, a movie you starred in, Karz is being remade as Karzzzz with Himesh an Urmila. Your views?
Simi: Well honey, I didn’t want to give this away but I might as well confess that I am actually going to make my comeback with Karzzzz. Urmila is going to do a fine job with her item number, but I will play the lead.

Semi Girebaal: Wow, that’s fantastic news Simi. What do you think Ranbir’s bold towel dropping scene in Saawariya?
Simi Garewal: Well let me just say my sari dropping scene with his father was much bolder. Every generation must push the boundaries and break the rules, the way I once did.