Kids are 'dramebaaz', says Anurag Basu

Anurag Basu who returns to the small screen as a celebrity judge on Zee's India's Best Dramebaaz.

What prompted you to become a judge on Zee's India's Best Dramebaaz?
The fact that it's a Zee show made it easy for me to say a yes, as I share a long relationship with the channel. But here, the show in itself was an equal draw. I loved the concept. It's unique and it gives me a chance to interact with such a talented bunch of children.

How is it working with them?
You know as a filmmaker, we tend to grow very detached to everything happening around. But kids help me stay young as a filmmaker. They keep me connected. And interacting with kids is anyway great fun. I live in a joint family, where there are loads of children, including my daughter. So, being with children is something I am comfortable with and enjoy too.

Is there a value addition for you though?
Oh definitely. It's a win-win situation all the way. First of all, the reach of TV is way more than that of Bollywood. There is a connect with the audience here. But also there is so much I get to take away from the show. Like seeing so much young talent on one platform. It's humbling, exciting, fun! It gives us a chance to relive our childhood as we become children with them.

But judging them must not be easy then?
It isn't. It's extremely tough to judge them as the parameters here are not as simple as a dance technique or singing prowess. Beyond what the kids are presenting, I try and look for hidden talent and find that potential of how much more the child is capable of and then groom them accordingly. Kids are natural dramebaaz, and the kind of tantruns they throw amazes me.

How do you handle kids?
I treat kids like adults. For me they are an extension of my own family. So the idea is to make them feel comfortable, but I also keep telling them not to be afraid of losing. That's important. The rejection should not affect them and that's an endeavour of all us judges.

What's happening on the Bollywood front?
Well, I am working on my next script now and working with kids is inspiring for sure.