Nadiya was the hottest girl of the eighties with her signature hairstyle and big hoop ear-rings.
Every girl wanted to wear the beautiful western clothes that fitted her so perfectly.
She was Tamil cinema's lucky charm; the girl-next-door everyone fell in love with.
Now she returns, charm intact with Jaya TV's interactive game show, Jackpot Season 2.
Having successfully completed eight years, 400 episodes, with 800 teams, 3200 participants, 8000 questions and Rs 4 crore in prize money, the show's ready to wear a new avatar with its brand new anchor.
Previously anchored by Khushboo, the show's ready to draw in audiences after a hiatus of a month.
Amidst all the bustle at an event organised to announce her entrance into Tamil television, the actress shared her insights about the show and her future in a chat with rediff.com:
How does it feel to be anchoring Jackpot?
I'm quite excited. It's an interesting show and I'm sure its going to be a very different experience. And so far, the people have been very welcoming. I had a great time coming back to the big screen. People seem to relate to me. Somehow, they seem to know and understand me on a personal level, and that definitely helps. On a game show of this kind, I have the opportunity to interact with participants on a one-to-one basis. And they've been giving me a lot of encouragement. I'm sure we'll hit it off well.
Jackpot was unique for several things, especially the costumes its previous anchor Khushboo wore. What's going to be your style statement?
See, I'm just going to be myself. I can't really comment on previous episodes, but my style will obviously not be based on that. I'm working on it, and I'll unveil my own unique style for the show.
Are you still working on projects for the big screen? Will you be based in Chennai?
I do have a few movies I'm working on, which will be complete around August or September. I will be based in Chennai for my TV work, but I'll be shuttling to and from Mumbai because my family's based there. For me, family definitely comes first. They're my first priority.
Any plans to act in TV serials?
You know, I've been offered so many roles, some as a judge in reality shows but I couldn't be a part of them. They demanded too much of my time. I couldn't afford that. Jackpot was the only show that gave me the best options; do my part in the shortest time available and have time for other commitments. So this is the only show on TV I will be working on, as of now.
Now, for something everyone's always dying to know: what's the secret of your eternal youth?
[Laughs] Nothing really, except for good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. And then, there's the question of genetics. There's something called good genes, you know. I guess I've inherited a healthy dose of those.
Catch Season 2 of Jackpot on Sundays at 8 pm from June 13, on Jaya TV.
