Mumbai, April 26 (PTI): Writer Chetan Bhagat is looking forward to sharing judging duties on reality dance show "Nach Baliye" with Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, on whom he had a huge crush in college.

The 41-year-old "2 States" author said Preity has been a huge influence on the female characters in his books and he is thrilled to sit next to the "Kal Ho Na Ho" actress.

"It is great to work with her. She has been my crush, since I first saw in "Dil Se". There was no actress like her at that time. In fact she has almost shaped the female characters in my books. She has been a huge influence. The women in my novels are all bubbly, talkative and bold, like Preity.

"And she makes for a great reality show judge because she talks a lot. I, sometimes, also feel she is too lenient with the contestants," Chetan told PTI.

When asked what prompted the self-confessed non-dancer author to become a judge on a reality dance show, Chetan said, "To me it all makes sense. I have opinions on national and world issues so I want maximum people to read my thoughts and listen to my opinions. Through this show, I can reach maximum people, even those who don't read my books or columns.

"After this show, if they ever come across any of my write-up, they would remember me as the guy, who was on 'Nach Baliye' and get interested in reading it. So be a rickshaw driver or anyone else, people will know me. I just want my voice to be heard. Otherwise, there is no desire to be on screen" Chetan said. .