Once the 'cultural attache' for the Taj Group of Hotels, Basu used theatre as a stepping stone to television, although the transition was avowedly not a determined move.

Beginning in 1985 with Quiz Time, which ran for three series and then Spectrum, the Saarc quiz, India Quiz, Super Quiz and Kissa Kursi Ka, Basu's Synergy Communications was the production house that turned around Star's fortunes with the inimitable Kaun Banega Crorepati. To his many fans, Basu is the fount of knowledge - of both, hard facts and frothy trivia, but the man, forever bursting with fresh ideas and novel concepts, spreads his hands and shrugs that he himself would hardly qualify as an average quizzer. Over to him....

On the difference between 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (also a Synergy offspring) and 'Mastermind India' -

KBC was meant for the masses, Mastermind is meant to be classy. KBC was inclusive, Mastermind is exclusive. Mastermind is like a test cricket, in KBC it only mattered that you got your bat to the ball….

On the difference between Doordarshan (where his first show Quiz Time aired) and satellite channels -

Prasar Bharati's charter is not as narrow as that of the satellite channels, and it doesn't have to bow down to the tyranny of the TRPs. Satellite channels, while they get the viewers, have spawned a monoculture of shows…

On whether he's repeated any questions during the history of his shows -

We have tried not to. We have a proprietory database for the last four to five years. Besides, we also crosscheck with the authorities whenever there are doubts about the answers…

On whether he would want to venture into radio quiz shows -


One would love to, but right now it's just a gleam in the eye….

On whether he is doing an original show for Doordarshan in the next few months-

Doordarshan is merely one of the channels we have spoken to, but nothing has been finalized as yet….
Besides, I don't think any of the fresh shows will be launched before the World Cup ends!