Siddharth Basu is one of the best known faces associated with quizzing across India ; an acclaimed television producer-director and quiz show host, well-known for directing and hosting nationwide quizzing shows such as Quiz Time, Mastermind India, and the widely-watched KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati)
The Quiz Club students were delighted to have this notable personality in our school on 8 February 2023, as he had kindly agreed to host a short quiz for them. After an exciting quiz session, Mr Basu agreed to a short interaction and shared his thoughts on a variety of topics. Here is a glimpse of some of the many questions which the students were keen to ask –
Q1. Sir, how did you get into quizzing?
Answer: It was by accident! I was initially keen on theatre, and on that route one thing led to another, until I realised how much I enjoyed all sorts of trivia.
Q2. How to begin our way through the route you have pursued?
Answer: Question everything, and know how to look for the right answer.
There’s a lot of propaganda, misinformation and noise everywhere, you shouldn’t be blinded by that. Instead, find reliable sources which can separate the wheat from the chaff.
Q3. What are your views on the art of dramatics or acting?
Answer: It’s rather enjoyable if you get the hang of things. You need to have a knack for it and the will to keep practising. As for me, I never found myself able to indulge in the complicated process of filmmaking. I simply didn’t have the patience.
Q4. There are a lot of rumours about shows like KBC being staged and pre-planned rather than impromptu. Are they true?
Answer: Well, the truth is, they are not staged. It’s just that for the viewers on screen, we must make it clear and concise so all of it isn’t shown. There are lakhs of participants from all over the nation who apply, and only about 100-200 of them qualify for contesting for the hot seat. The strenuous qualification tests, etc. are never displayed for the spectators. Even the host isn’t cognizant of who the next contestant will be, and only after the “Fastest Finger First” is complete, does he get to know basic details of the participant during the 5-minute break which follows.
It was an incredible learning experience and very exciting and stimulating to have been able to interact with a person of such impressive intellect, said the students who were part of the audience.
