'India's Got Talent': VJ Andy to Replace Mantra as Host

Former "Bigg Boss" contestant VJ Andy will be seen hosting reality show "India's Got Talent."

Entertainer Andy, well known for his funny and witty antics will take over the role from Mantra, who had co-hosted the show in its audition rounds with comedian Bharti Singh. 

"My contract with IGT was only till the audition rounds as my dates were not available. I am going to Bulgaria to shoot a film, because of which I will not be able to host the show semi-final onwards," Mantra told TOI. 

Confirming the replacement, a source revealed to PTI:  "Andy was offered to host India's Got Talent from the semi final round post 'Bigg Boss'. He is happy and excited about this. He will replace Mantra as he was busy with his prior commitments. Mantra was supposed to be there till the audition round."

The fifth season of reality show, which scouts for unique talents from participating contestants is being judged by actresses Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar.

Andy's association with the IGT is set to be a welcome change, given the immense popularity the actor thanks to his stint on "Bigg Boss 7."

IGT, a part of the global franchise of "Britain's Got Talent" was previously hosted by the talented duo Manish Paul and MTV's ex-VJ Cyrus Sahukar.

Andy whose full name is Anand Kumar, rose to fame as Channel V's video jockey and has successfully hosted dating reality shows "Dare to Date" and "Beauty and the Geek," in the past

Banking on the "Bigg Boss" fame, the 33-year-old was recently seen as a fashion stylist in a cameo role for Color's soap "Bani - Ishq Da Kalma".