'Dance is easier to judge than comedy'

The king of comedy David Dhawan will soon judge a comedy show, Hans Baliye on Star One, with his one-time favourite actress Karisma Kapoor.

The new laugh riot hopes to bring out the funny side of marriages, and will have celebrity couples participating.

Karisma tells Rajul Hegde what to expect from the show.

After judging the fourth season of Nach Baliye, you're back on the jury with Hans Baliye. What prompted you to take up this show?

When the channel approached me for this show, I liked the concept. It's a unique comedy show where real life couples are doing stand-up comedy for the first time on television.

Nach Baliye is already a successful brand name and they are now doing a spin-off in a unique way.

How difficult is it to judge a comedy show?

Dance is easier to judge compared to comedy. Stand-up comedy is very difficult because it's not easy to make people laugh. Hats off to all the jodis because in the first round itself, they were flawless and fantastic. I enjoyed judging it. I'm sure the viewers will also love it.

What will be your judging criteria?

The skit and timing have to be funny. Plus, the couple have to be comfortable with what they are doing.

Do you think people are more humourous after marriage?

Absolutely! I'll tell you a common incident most couples go through. If my husband wants full AC and I want it lesser, we'll have an argument over that.

At times, it can become really funny. This show is inspired from real life incidents. So viewers will identify with the jokes and enjoy it.

You will share the jurors platform with David Dhawan, with whom you've done so many films.

It's great to judge a comedy show with him. It's a different feeling because I have seen Davidji behind the camera. For the first time, he will be in front of the camera, judging a show.

We have done dozen of comedy films together. I don't think any heroine has done so many films with one director. We know each other very well and are very comfortable with other. It's great to be on the show with him.

You have done a lot of comedy films. Do you think it is tough to do comedy?

Yes. Comedy is tougher than emotional films. You have to be a very good actress to make people cry. But to make people laugh, you need to have the flair and perfect comic timing.

Has David offered you any film recently?

Yes, he keeps talking about scripts. But I haven't decided whether I want to do films yet.

When will you make your movie comeback?

People ask me this question wherever I go. Honestly, I haven't decided. I am happily married, have a daughter and am enjoying this phase in my life.

I don't have any agenda because I didn't know that I would be judging another reality show. I want to work at my own pace so whenever I feel I should come back, I will sign a film.

But people still feel married actress cannot make it big.

Just because Madhuri Dixit's film [Aaja Nachley] didn't do well, you cannot blame her for that. If the film didn't do well, it could be because of the bad script or bad luck. It's teamwork, we cannot blame one person for that. In that case, Kajol's film [Fanaa] was a hit.

The Indian audience has grown tremendously and the era is gone where people don't want to see married actresses act. If you do good work, people will watch the film. Why do people want to see me in films? Because they know I'm a good actress. The audience will not tell us to stop acting because we're married.

How do your balance your work and family?

In the beginning, my priority was my daughter, my husband and home. So I didn't take up any work. Now since my daughter has grown up and has become a little independent, I am able to work.

It's good to have a balance between both. When you know your priorities, neither of them are neglected.

I recommend motherhood to all girls!

How was it shooting for 10 Ka Dum with Salman Khan and your sister, Kareena?

Salman is a family friend. He was my hero before he became Kareena's in films. Kareena has been a part of many game shows but I was very nervous because this was my first. It went off very well. Whatever we have won will go for a good cause.

What kind of bond do you share with your sister?

Bebo is like my daughter Samaira. Touch wood, we have a very strong bond.

Watch Hans Baliye at 8.30 pm every Saturday on Star One.