The quintessential charmer, Ajay Jadeja mesmerized many with his prowess on the cricket field for more than a decade. Now the cricketer-cum-entertainer is enjoying his successful stint on the tube as well – first with Jhalak Dikhlaja and now with the reality show, Cricket Star.

"The show is unique in the sense that it gives a chance to kids of all age groups, be it 13, 15, 19 or more and importantly to the ones who never got exposure of any kind to play on the state level", he explains. Is he happy with the response the show is generating?

"Actually you have to ask the producers about it. I am just the anchor and my job is to pep the guys up. But it feels nice since it's a great concept and a nice show to be associated with", retorts Jadeja.

Ask him about his rapport and friendship with co-anchor Shveta Salve and pat comes the reply, "We did form a bond during Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. It is always nice to work with people you know. Here I must speak about Jhalak too.

It was an amazing concept which had a great amalgamation of interesting people like Sanjeev Kapoor, Rati Agnihotri, Mahesh Manjrekar- people from different walks of life. I had a great time on the show".

Even during his Team India days, Ajay Jadeja's had been seen as an entertainer. Now the fact is reinforced even more as he is now considered a bona fide TV personality.

"It feels nice. I have been very fortunate But I have always enjoyed whatever I have done, be it cricket, acting, dance, anchoring , golf, everything", he states.

Talking about acting, he did just one movie Khel. Is he not going to try out acting again? "That was a phase. It was during my case days. But I must say it was a great experience. But I really don't know whether I will act again. Something really great hasn't come my way as yet", he replies with a smile.

Much has been talked about Ajay Jadeja being a great family man .So how does he balance home wit his hectic schedule?

"I have a four-and-a-half year old son and it's really great to see your child grow up. Most of what I shoot for NDTV is in Delhi itself which is 10 minutes away from my home. For Cricket Star I come for a day to Mumbai and then fly back. Yes, family is and always will be my first priority", he says.

A talk with Ajay Jadeja will surely be incomplete without discussion about the upcoming World Cup. "India has got a great chance of winning. My wishes are there with every one. Sachin Tendulkar was and is my favourite player. Yuvraj and Dhoni are great among the young lot. I will there in the West Indies too as I will be doing work for NDTV there", he informs.

But those who want to see him back on the cricket field stand to be disappointed. "Hey, I don't know about others but I think I am too old for cricket now. After the World Cup gets over, I will take up professional golf. I am grateful to God for everything.

I have to thank my fans too, everyone who has stood by me and prayed for me", he says as he signs off. Ajay Jadeja has grown older and wiser with age but the charm remains intact for sure. - (SAMPURN)