Mini Mathur Opens Up On Why She Quit Hosting: ‘TV Serial Bahus Replaced Skilled Anchors'
Mini said that she always chose projects that valued her skillset and where her presence added gravity.
Television personality and seasoned host Mini Mathur has opened up about her decision to step away from television hosting, sharing how changing industry trends pushed her out of a space she once dominated. In an interview with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Mini revealed the real reason behind her departure from general entertainment channels (GECs).
'I'm not done with GEC. GEC was done with me," she admitted, explaining that she left not because of burnout or lack of interest, but because of a shift in industry priorities.
Having spent nearly three decades in television, Mini built a career on being a trained and passionate host, presenting everything from game shows like Tol Mol Ke Bol, beauty-based shows like Khoobsurat, travel shows such as Indian Holiday, and reality hits like Indian Idol. She recalled, 'I wasn't in the business to be a star. I love television presenting. I love talking to people. I love presenting reality."
Mini said that she always chose projects that valued her skillset and where her presence added gravity. However, she witnessed a change where television channels began prioritising social media metrics and TV serial popularity over experience.
'At the point that I was hosting everything, suddenly the trend changed to make the bahus of the serial stand in front of the teleprompter because she's popular," Mini said, referring to how lead actors from daily soaps were often handed hosting gigs with little regard for training or experience.
She highlighted that in international markets, seasoned hosts are respected and often lead shows well into their 60s and 70s, citing Oprah and Jimmy Fallon as examples. But in India, she said, 'We are chasing numbers… This person has so many million followers, take her in your show, whether she knows acting or not."
Mini explained that she chose to walk away when she realised she was being replaced not for lack of talent, but for lack of trending popularity. 'If I can be replaced by someone who's popular in a TV serial, I don't want to do your show," she declared.
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