Shilpa Shetty, winner of last season's reality series [Content Related to reality series] , Big Brother [Content Related to Big Brother] UK, has been roped in to host the Indian version of the show -- Big Boss season 2.

Rajul Hegde caught up with her to know more. Excerpts:

What made you decide to host this show?

The reason I agreed to do Big Boss 2 is because I was familiar with the format. It makes it easier for me to empathise with the housemates. I will be the only connection between them and the outside world. I am sure it is not going to be easy for them and I wish them good luck. I am looking forward to be part of this show.

Do you feel that before entering this show, the contestants should take up some sort of relaxation course to keep their mind fresh and calm?

Firstly, those who actually take part in this show will not have anything to hide. Secondly, they are confident of themselves and want to be famous overnight.

When I joined Big Brother I went with the mindset that I have nothing to fear as this was not my first time before the camera. Despite that, I thought I would be out in the first week. Being in Big Brother teaches you a lot. There are lot of highs and lows. And it's a learning curve and viewers will really know everything about you in this show. That is why reality shows [Content Related to reality shows] really work on television. It's a great form of entertainment at other people cost.(laughs)

Catch the second season of Big Boss on August 17 every Monday to Sunday at 10 pm on Colors.

'I don't want to do Big Brother again'

If you are offered a chance to take part in Big Brother again, will you take it?

No. I don't want to do Big Brother again. When I took part in the show I didn't know that it would be so difficult. It is an entertainment for the audience but not for the housemates. There was a cultural clash in Big Brother and I was the odd one out.

But in Big Boss the housemates will not have that problem. I started thinking of my family on the third day itself. I can't live without my family. So I say no to Big Brother.

Will you advise your sister (Shamita Shetty) to participate in this show?

She will not take my advice but I know she will not go.

What is your advice to the housemates?

Be yourself. The show is all about whom the audiences find entertaining, enduring and real. So, you cannot be fake.

'I hope to give the housemates moral support'

What is your role as host?

I will be the only person interacting with the 14 participants. It's an important role. When I was there in the house (Big Brother) we would all wait to hear host Davina (McCall [Content Related to Davina (McCall] )'s voice because we were bored of hearing the same voices inside. I think the host is the one who connects between the audience and the housemates. I hope to give the housemates moral support.

Given a chance, who would you like to lock in a Big Boss house?

I have never thought about it. Any suggestions?

You were a housemate in Big Brother while Arshad Warsi was the host in season one of Big Boss. Do you think your added experiences will bring any difference to your role as host?

I will be able to relate to the housemates since I have gone through the whole experience of being a housemate. I remember what it was to live with strangers in a house cut off from the outside world. But one thing is for sure; it will definitely change the lives of the participants and give them memories to last a lifetime.

Did you watch Big Boss season one?

I did and for the first two weeks I was addicted. I loved Rakhi Sawant [Content Related to Rakhi Sawant] and Ravi Kishen. Whenever I missed an episode, I would call my friends for updates. I found lot of differences in the format between that of Big Brother and Big Boss.

This time the Big Boss 2 format will be a little different from the previous one.

Did you make any friends in Big Brother?

Yes, I did. That is the one fantastic thing that happened to me on that show. I used to be in touch with Jermaine and Ian but not any more. I think we will definitely connect sometime in future.

Are you in competition with Akshay Kumar as a TV host?

You cannot compare both of us. Both the shows have different formats. He is fantastic as a host in Fear Factor [Content Related to Fear Factor] . I really hope to lend something interesting and substantial for Big Boss in my own way.

Do you watch Fear Factor?

I have been travelling abroad so I don't get to watch the show. The concept is superb and I have watched a few episodes. I really don't know how those girls do it. Both the shows (Big Boss and Fear factor) are equally tough on the participants. People are really inquisitive to know about others. Big Boss is a great way of legally watching what is happening in someone's house. (laughs)

Yoga has changed me inside out'

Did spirituality play any role in a reality show?

Yes, spirituality plays a great role as it helps to build confidence that is required at every stage of life. It helps me to remain calm and patient. It also helps me to overcome stress and pressure, which is a part of any reality show. I have discovered a new affinity for meditation, thanks to the spirituality course at the Oneness University.

How has yoga helped you?

Yoga has changed me inside out. Fitness is a way of life for me and I follow yoga to keep fit. It has also made me a very calm person -- more positive and focussed. It has brought my life on the right track. It is a passion for me. TEXT EXCLUSIVELY FROM REDIFF.COM