Well-known former Balaji Telefilms Creative Director-turned-independent producer (Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai, Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi,etc.) Nivedita Basu is looking forward to the third season of Box Cricket League, where she is owner of one of the franchise teams, Kolkata Babu Moshayes.
“It will be interesting to see how things pan out, now that we are on MTV. The composition of players will be more of the younger lot, than the saas-bahu brigade, as in earlier seasons (first on Sony, then on Colors)”, says Nivi, as Nivedita is better known in the industry.
“Also, since there has been a 2-year gap between Season 2 and Season 3, interest in the property tends to wane. But when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Format-owner Ekta Kapoor is a past master at doing stuff to entertain the audiences. Rest assured, when you watch Kolkata Babu Moshayesin the field, you will get both, class sport and entertainment.”
She further adds, “The channel and creative will also be under pressure to make sure that the winning team’s name does not leak out, as there will be a difference between the actual match and its telecast day. It takes time to edit each episode properly. But yes, the last time around, they had successfully kept out the news of Delhi Dragons being champions.”
“Coming to individual teams, our biggest challenge is to make sure that all our players get enough pre-match practice. We have not been able to have our practice sessions yet, as most of our squad is busy with other stuff.”
“I have been lucky to retain most of my earlier seasons’ players (Ssharad Malhotra, Naman Shaw, Vindhya Tiwari, Amit Sarin,etc.), along with a few additions, i.e. Bigg Boss-fame Arshi Khan. Her presence will definitely net us more eye-balls, and if she ends up scoring a few quick runs or taking a few wickets as well, it will be like icing on the cake. The presence of Hiten Tejwani as team captain will be a major plus for the squad.”
On the charge that a lot of BCL drama is contrived, she says, “While I don’t know what MTV has in store, I never tell my players to pull stunts for TRPs. Winning with honor and dignity is our motto. I sure hope to prevent Delhi Dragons from making it a hat-trick at lifting the trophy this time.”
In closing, Nivi says her association with BCL is long term. “I want to create a brand which will have long-term value even outside cricket. I want Kolkata Babu Moshayes to be the TV equivalent of IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders.”
More power to you, Nivedita.