http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=7c09b4bd-c634-4790-a7c6-4e24c87e9ce9&MatchID1=4662&TeamID1=5&TeamID2=2&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1173&PrimaryID=4662&Headline='I'm+primarily+a+homemaker'
Singer Sunali Rathod talks about *Mission Ustaad,* music, family and reality shows. * A recap on Mission Ustaad please.* It was an unusual and musically enriching show. We had to come up with original compositions every week. I got to experiment with various genres. AR Rahman and Javed (Akhtar)* saab* said that there wasn't a genre that my husband Roop and I hadn't attempted. (Smiles) I'll always treasure the compliment. "Roop and I fight all the time. It's been like that for the past 17 years. But we cool down equally fast. A couple has to be prepared to tackle problems that arise as a result of working together because when you're doing a show like Mission Ustaad, you tend to take work home" - Sunali Rathod *Reality shows are known to intrude on personal space. Didn't that bother you?* *Mission Ustaad* wasn't a typical reality show. There were no weekly eliminations, only healthy competition. We didn't have to cater to unreasonable demands. *What are you using the prize money for?* We've already given away the money for charity. It'll be used for women empowerment. I've always believed that women are stronger than men. I had decided to work towards the betterment of underprivileged women way before the competition ended. *Did working on the show lead to arguments at home as well? *Roop and I fight all the time. It's been like that for the past 17 years. But we cool down equally fast. A couple has to be prepared to tackle problems that arise as a result of working together because when you're doing a show like* Mission Ustaad,* you tend to take work home. *Are you game for more reality shows then? *Sure, if the concept interests me. I will never want to be a part of something like *Indian Idol* even if they called me on as a judge. *Why?* The* Indian Idol* contestants are living on hope. All they think of is winning the competition. That is not what music is about. *Given that you were shooting at the Yash Raj Studio, did any playback offer fall in your lap? *(Laughs) Unfortunately not. But we're hopeful. Roop has done an album for the Yash Raj label in the past. After *Mission Ustaad*, we have two albums in our kitty . *Despite being a talented couple, why did you'll take the backseat?* I was never overly ambitious. I'm primarily a homemaker. And as his wife, I feel that Roop should be No 1 before me. It's a feeling that grows out of love. *What's your husband's take on this?* Roop believes that I haven't got my due and should be more of a go-getter. But I am happy with him, my daughter Reewa and our home. *Is Reewa interested in music too? *She is musically inclined. I'd say music runs in her genes. Most kids would go crazy listening to their parents sing all day long. But not her.. in fact, she occasionally joins us. She is a cool girl. *You sound like a cool mom too.* (Smiles) I am. I've never forced her to take up music. It was Reewa's decision entirely to train in carnatic music. She's a pianist too. She is the one who keeps us updated on the happenings in the world of music -- regards, Vithur AIMING TO BE A TRUE RAHMANIAC
