You learn from interactions with people: Puneeth Rajkumar on Kannadada Kotiyadipathi

Puneeth Rajkumar, who is currently shooting for his upcoming film, Yuvarathnaa, directed by Santhosh Ananddram, is all set to get all geeky for his role on the small screen. Set to be aired from June 22, the series will see the Power Star as the host of the popular reality show, Kannadada Kotiyadipati, for Colors. 

He has hosted the game show in 2011-12 and says he is fond of the show for two reasons. “In 2000, we grew up watching Kaun Banega Crorepati, and the show brought the country together. Irrespective of language, people watched to see the legend, Amitabh Bachchan. That was an inspiration. Secondly, my father (Dr Rajkumar) loved the show's concept,” Puneeth Rajkumar says, adding that he felt honoured when the makers — Big Synergy — approached him.

“I am happy I am back with the same programme for Colors. It is a show through which I get to meet people from different parts of Karnataka, and get to listen to so many different stories. In general, I am a person who likes talking to people, and it gives me an opportunity to interact with them and know the kind of life they lead and how important money is to them. When they win, it is much bigger than what they would have dreamt of. This show is something a person wins through his knowledge and that makes it more special, and that makes me feel humble, when I am hosting it,” he adds. 

Acting may be a cakewalk for an actor like Puneeth, but a reality show brings with it a different set of rules and methods. “It is a live show, and when it starts, it is all about being yourself. However, the timing is important and preparation is done much before, since hosting a show for 2-3 hours is a fulltime job. But it is something I really enjoy. It is teamwork as well, and there are many who work hard behind this,” he says.

Ask him about his favourite part of the show and pat comes the reply: “Kannadada Kotiyadipati is about learning, talking to people and witnessing their joy when they win. It has been a life-changing event for a couple of people who have become famous in their home towns.

Puneeth reveals that he was lucky enough to meet Amitabh before he began the first season of the reality show. “I got an opportunity to spend time on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati. I will never forget his kind gesture, when he actually introduced me to the audience over there. He also mentioned that I should be hosting the show in Karnataka. H added that he has known me since I was a baby. He had a couple of nice words to say about my dad too. Though we did not have a one-on-one discussion about the show, it was a pleasure to see the aura built around this person, who is called the biggest superstar of our country,” says Puneeth, who hopes to do well this season.