Basu, who made quizzing popular in India through his first game show on DD in the eighties, moved on to satellite channels later. But Doordarshan, which is seriously considering a shift in programming strategy with an eye on the revenues, has sought out the veteran quiz master to make a show for the public broadcaster, rather than rely on relaying shows made by satellite channels.

Although there is a proposal pending for simulcasting the proposed second run of Kaun Banega Crorepati on DD National as well, DD director-general SY Quraishi says he does not favour picking second hand stuff for airing and would rather explore fresh programming. DD has been having talks with Basu for the last three months, and the game show could be rolled out as a prime time interactive game show on DD in the next three to four months, he says.

Basu has been hosting Mastermind India on BBC since August 2001, while his Synergy Production's is behind KBC as well.