I’m enjoying every moment of my stint in television. I was down and out when I left cricket. I became a television commentator by a stroke of luck. I was given a commentary offer by Nimbus just five days after I had quit cricket. I quoted a price as high as Rs 20 lakh, still they wanted me. Now television has become my profession. I have a strong command on three languages—English, Hindi and Punjabi. My general knowledge is impressive too.

Between cricket and hosting television shows—what is closer to your heart?

I enjoy television more than cricket. But of course, it all began with cricket and that’s the root. Can there be fruit without any root?

What’s your take on the coinage ‘Sidhuism’?

I couldn’t ever imagine that there would be such a thing. There are so many websites on Sidhuism. I got the biggest high when I was invited in the official dinner hosted for George W Bush in India.

But there are people who criticise your kind of commentary.

Brickbats or not, my head is held high. When I started commentary, my motive was clear—that I have to entertain the masses, not just a handful of cricket purists. When I do commentary, I think of housewives, children and grandmothers who too are present in the drawing room. I can’t please everyone.

Are reports of your problems with Shekhar Suman true?

Debate is masculine, while conversation is feminine. That’s all I can say in this issue. Shekhar Suman is an institution. He is like my elder brother.

Then why aren’t the two of you hosting shows together anymore?

That’s for television channels to decide.

Are there offers of shows with you as the solo anchor?

There have been many offers and something concrete is on the anvil. Sony is planning a huge show with me as the only anchor.

Do you intend to act in films like other cricketers?

I’ll be acting in a Punjabi film, titled Mera Pind. After Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, I got many offers of Hindi films. But I’m not interested in small guest appearances.

If I accept something, that has to be worthwhile. I had to turn down the offer of another film called Tussi Great Ho Paaji, because it required me to shoot in London for two months and I didn’t have the time.

Why did you join politics?

I’m not chasing fame. I want to help people. That is my mission. My political career has been extremely successful; I’ve been a member of parliament twice. Within a short span of two-three years, I have steadily grown as a politician. Proving the popular adage wrong, I’m a master of all trades, Jack of none.

What’s your piece of advice for the current Indian cricket team?

It is time to make hay when things are going haywire.

Last bytes on Steve Bucknor?