Imagine TV's gossip show Meethi Chhoorii No.1 will premier tonight at 10 pm. The weekend chat show featuring over 25 celebrities was supposed to start last week, but was delayed by a week.

Head of Marketing & Communication, Imagine, Nikhil Madhok confirmed the delay saying, "We had some logistic difficulties getting 8 girls together and even one of the hosts Shabbir Ahluwalia had fallen ill". 

Talking about the USP of the show, Nikhil said, "The USP is that instead of back biting the girls will tell what they feel about others on their face! Nobody takes it seriously".

According to an actress who did not want to be named, some of the topics are really below the belt. "I was told that we may discuss female body parts, hence I refused to take part in Meethi Chhoorii". 

However, Nikhil refused to comment on the body parts topic quipping, "If I say anything, it will be wrongly interpreted. I will suffice to say that there is enough bold content going around on other channels as well. Our target audience is young women and most topics will include what they generally discuss amongst themselves". 

Ragini Khanna confirmed that there indeed were references to body parts. "Agreed there is a risk that certain section of our family audiences might get offended with such talk.  But it has not been designed to be controversial. It's just girls talking nonsense. Guys take a chill pill and one thing, when you watch the show, keep your brains away."

The source further added that given the open nature of the format, some of the girls even went overboard and the channel had to edit out certain portions given Indian sensibilities.

Besides Shabbir, Jay Bhanushali the other host  said that he has no qualms in accepting that he really enjoys doing this show as "I get paid to flirt with so many beautiful girls", a source added that Jay does have fun with some of the contestants. 

Reporter and Author: Anil Merani