This perky actress has rocked down south as well as in Bollywood. And now, Genelia D’Souza is all set to reach a bigger audience through TV. But it wasn’t a calculated move, she says. “I didn’t plan any of the things that have happened to me. Whether it’s acting, modelling or this TV show I’ll be hosting, it’s my fans who’ve decided for me,” says Genelia. “I’m doing two films with the production house that owns the channel which will air the show, Big Switch. I share a great rapport with them. They liked my work and attitude and asked me to host the programme,” she tells us. And TV isn’t just for out-of-work Bollywood actors, she maintains. “I don’t think it’s a back-door entry to the limelight. Television is the best way to reach out to a lot of people,” she says, adding, “I’ve always lived by my own fundas. When I started my film career down south, people told me it was a place for Bollywood drop-outs. But I’ve proved them wrong and made a place for myself there.” So, does this mean that Genelia is in the same league as Salman Khan and Farah Khan, who are now hosting TV shows? “Oh, no! They’re great. I’ll be glad if I get anywhere close to them,” she replies. Meanwhile, the actress has several releases slotted for this year. Apart from Hook Ya Crook and Chance Pe Dance, she also has a Telugu film ready for release. But not all her Bollywood flicks have done as well as her southern films. Is she making the wrong choices? “I need some time to get it right. It wasn’t all that easy for me even in the south. But I made it and I’m confident I’ll make it here as well,” asserts Genelia. But won’t she get typecast by doing so many comedies? “I’ve just started my career and hope to get plenty of scope to experiment with all genres. But on second thought, there’s nothing wrong in playing the fun-loving girl-next-door,” says Genelia. She’s also the new face in the advertisement world after Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji. “If anyone shows 10 per cent confidence in me, I’ll give them my 100 per cent. I feel privileged to endorse these brands because it comes with huge responsibility,” says the actress. What about all the rumours surrounding her ‘relationship’ with Riteish Deshmukh? “It’s so irritating to respond to gossip. It’s a rumour; a part of our profession. If there’s something worth talking about, I’ll come out with it openly,” she clarifies.- T O I