Q When you started Survivor, did you think it would be this big a success? I never ever anticipated or even let myself dream that it would last this long! I honestly thought that after our first season, we would definitely get a second season and then probably die off in our third. I was clearly quite naïve! It’s hard to convey how grateful I am for the run we’ve had. It has completely changed my life and our entire team has enormous pride in making sure we deliver the best show possible every week.
Q What do you think about the whole concept? Would you yourself ever participate in the show?
I was instantly intrigued by the concept and wanted to do the show very badly. I had never heard anything like it and still haven’t. It’s a very unique format. I would love to participate, but given how attached I am as a host, I don’t think it will ever happen.
Q Do you get to understand a lot about human psychology through the show?
Yes, I think I’ve learned a lot about human behaviour and that is the most interesting aspect of the show for me. I love watching how we justify our behavior. Everybody has a different line and it’s fascinating to watch what it takes to make us cross it, especially on a show like Survivor where there are very few rules.
Q What do you think about India’s fan base for not only reality shows, but also Survivor?
It’s a good question and one I think about a lot. I think there is something about watching real people in truly vulnerable situations. We’re not watching actors pretending. We’re watching a cross-section of different kinds of people who come from different walks of life but they’re all vying for the same prize. So when you see someone emotional, you know it’s because they really are breaking down. When you see someone overcome an obstacle you know that it was a true personal triumph. When you see someone blindsided, you can feel their pain. Then again, maybe it’s just all the half naked bodies!
Q Have you seen the Indian version of the show? Do you think there are any differences?
Yes I have and I love the host! I also love how hard the contestants play. From a big picture point of view, I don’t really think there are any significant differences. The format of Survivor works and it doesn’t make any sense to change it very much.
Q Do you enjoy the works of any Indian actors? Who would you want to invite for a Survivor-celebrity edition?
Sadly I’m not as well versed with Indian actors. I don’t think we’ll ever do a celebrity edition. It’s very hard to get schedules to align so I think that ship has sailed.
Q Would you like to visit India sometime?
I think India is an amazing country and I would love to visit one day.
Q Your thoughts on this season’s format — Brains vs Brawn?
This is the second time we have done this season. It takes the qualities we rely on in our daily lives and examines which ones work best in an environment like Survivor. What’s been really interesting is that once again we have a group of smart people on the brain tribe who make the craziest decisions.
It appears that when you only have smart people working together, they make the dumbest decisions! This season is also extremely punishing from a physical point of view. There is a lot of medical drama in store for the audience.
