Post retirement solution – become a celeb judge

Have a flagging career in the Bollywood or Hollywood industry? Are your movies no longer pulling in an audience? Or have you got too many wrinkles for the screen? Well, do not fear – become a celebrity judge!

Yes, this is the new age money-making mantra. Let us look at some famous celeb judges…

The first one that comes to mind is Simon Cowell of American Idol. Had you ever heard of him, before he became the nasty, brutally honest judge on TV? Even if you did have an inkling, there were no “we love Simon” or “I hate Simon” shirts on sale in US, like this before.

Paula Abdul – the lady’s singing career has nosedived; she hasn’t given a hit in years…but she’s making it big as a judge. Courting controversy for giving judgments beforehand, romancing contestants and getting into lip-locks with Simon are her TV trademarks.

And of course the DAWG – Randy Jackson. He has equated so many people with the canine breed, that he might as well be dogs own adopted Idol!

Then, I think of our very own Javed Akhtar. He started off in the Indian Idol as a respectable, intelligent old man, who used to be concerned with diction. Today, the poet is seemingly available for every gig in town and has started over-talking. He can be downright mean…something Shabana Azmi should check on very soon.

Saroj Khan – Man, she got lucky!! Not only did the almost vanished choreographer get back her groove with the dance show, Naach Baliye. But she has even bagged an independent show on NDTV Imagine teaching nubile girls and young men to shake to the Bollywood beat.

Another one who moved from his failed Bollywood career to a celeb judge and NEVER looked back is, Rajiv Behl of Boogie Woogie dance program. He has just stuck to the judging chair for nearly 10 years now!

Actually, judging contestants has worked quite well for certain established music composers like Annu Malik, Vishal-Shekhar, Bappi Lahiri, Himesh Reshamiya etc. They listened to the best and have been able to get them to sing for them for almost free.

In fact, the biggest beneficiary was Amitabh Bachchan. When his company ABCL had gone bust and he was reeling under debts, Kaun Banega Crorepati rescued him. SRK too made money off the show and used it fund his movie production Om Shanti Om.

Really, who said television was an idiot box? It is more like a make-me-rich-quick box! All hail the TV!!!

Camera friendly celeb sport stars

Sports is no longer, alas, just about performing on the field; it is about how you play to the audience. Trendy haircuts, made-to-order designer clothing and the perfect Reebok, Nike or Addidas shoe has become part every chic sportpersons ensemble. In fact, they are style icons that are at the very least endorsing 10 brands at a time.

Let’s take a look at the
Top 5 ‘camera-friendly’ celebrity sportstars:

Rank 1) David Beckam – He sure has some great moves on and off the football field. One of the richest sportsperson, who has been in the brand ambassador lane so long, he could open a school for aspiring celebrities!

Rank 2) Anna Kournikova – She may be one of the worst tennis players of recent times, but she has looks that can sell honey to the bees themselves!

Rank 3) Michael Schumacher – Not only does he look cute in his red suit, but he has been Formula 1’s darling for his brilliant racing skills. Though retired amid allegations of not indulging in fair-play, he still has potential to be exploited.

Rank 4) Sachin Tendulkar – The cricket world swears by his name. He has been credible on the field, and lends the same characteristic to the products he endorses. That is why it was quite a shocker when he endorsed Home Trade – a company that turned out completely bogus and ran off with investor money.

Rank 5) Tiger Woods – He is charming, classy and elegant. Woods appeals to high-rollers in the corporate world. Still quite underrated as a celebrity sportperson, he has many years in front of him to encash his fame he has earned on the golf course.



And then there are some sport stars who have potential in the future…

Sport celebrities of the future?

Rank 1) Magic Johnson – Well he’s still new to this game. This basketball star has still some time left to really weave magic on the screen, but can do well if he keeps his wits together.

Rank 2) The Great Khali – Unsure if WWE rules allow this wrestler to endorse any other brand except their brand of fighting, but if he is permitted this guy will be a run away hit…at least for the moment.

Rank 3) Kimi Raikkonen – He is an excellent driver and is leading in the F1 pack. If he continues his winning streak, he may just roll in some big bucks in the future.

Rank 4) Mahendra Singh Dhoni – He has turned out to be the most successful Indian cricket captain, led the World Cup team and loves the camera.


That is how the list looks right now. But this list is dynamic; the line into the hall of fame is long and winding.