Host par excellence, Mini Mathur, who is anchoring new Discovery channel show, DISCOVERY SCHOOL SUPER LEAGUE (DSSL), along with comic artist, Cyrus Sahukar, regards the quizmaster’s role as very important.
“He or she needs to own the content, so it is very important to read all the questions before going on air. There is much more prep in quiz shows compared to other formats, where you can be spontaneous without doing so much homework. Our witty one-liners here work only when we know more questions which will be asked,” says Mini, who has hosted Tol Mol Ke Bol, Indian Idol, Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, Sports Ka Superstar, etc.
“Also, since we are dealing with kids, we have to be extra considerate and sensitive, without taking away from the honesty of the format. I make it a point to be fair and just, and if I find a question that seems to go against the tide, I make it a point to bring it to the attention of the Baiju content team for redressal.”
“I have hosted several quiz shows before. What I best like about the format is that you get to learn a lot, plus you get a chance to interact with kids who keep you on your toes. When this combination of Discovery, quizzes and Baiju, who have revolutionized content, was offered to me, accepting it was a no-brainer.”
When asked whether having a co-host who is known for his lighter elements will harm the seriousness of the format, she says, “Well, this was one of my original concerns. I have made it very clear to Cyrus that there will be no joking around when the actual quizzing is in process. Yes, he does become his usual self when talking with the contestants between rounds, but that only happens to make the kids feel more relaxed.”
“One thing I can assure you is that we have the right balance, which, while not disappointing the quiz-heads, will have enough entertainment for the masses as well.”
“Let’s face it, we are not hosting MasterMind for adults, but only quizzing with kids at the end of the day.”
Talking about today’s kids, she says, “They are smarter than what we give them credit for, thanks to information overload. When I was growing up say 20 years back, we had to cram GK books and encyclopedias; but today, tech allows them to pick up life skills in a more kid friendly manner, i.e. modern schools use visual and audio stimulus to keep their wards’ wavering attention spans in check.”
