Rohit Roy to host show on cricket

Rohit Roy to host show on cricket

Ever since he made his debut on television with Swabhimaan 10 years ago after a failed career in films, Rohit Roy has been going places. The start was slow but with each passing year and especially in the last two years there has been a sudden upswing in his stature and popularity as an actor and host.

Currently busy with Viraasat, Rohit has been signed by MAX to represent the television and film world in the channel's attempt to marry cricket with showbiz during the forthcoming ICC Champion's Trophy to be played in India from October 7. As co-presenter of MAX's revamped Extraa Innings Rohit will discuss cricket besides bringing in showbiz elements in the programme in the company of Charu Sharma and Mandira Bedi.

"Cricket has been my passion since childhood," reveals Rohit who as an opening batsman and wicketkeeper had played cricket at inter-collegiate level for University of Gujarat. "In fact, I was even selected by Surendra Amarnath for a summer tour to play club level cricket in England but couldn't go for some personal reason." Once he was out of college and opted for his MBA, cricket took a backseat and after he entered showbiz cricket was not a priority.

"Occasionally I used to play at Air India ground on Sundays besides taking part in charity matches. But after I got very busy with acting there was no time for the game though I follow it like a true cricket enthusiast." His understanding of the game is also pretty good. "I know what reverse swing, googly, cover drive or late cut are. The technical knowledge is there but I have to brush up the statistics to keep pace with Charu who is like an Encyclopedia on cricket. I will also get to learn a lot from him," says Rohit who feels his co-presenter Mandira has come a long way.

"She has been keenly following the game and in terms of cricket knowledge she has improved quit a lot. Besides bringing in glamour in pre- and post-analysis sessions of the game in Extraaa Innings she has made cricket popular among female audience." Ask Rohit why MAX has gone for another actor to represent TV and films when Mandira is already there to represent glamour and entertainment and he says Mandira is no more known as an actor. "When did you last see her in a serial or film? She has been forgotten as an actor.

People remember her as an anchor of reality shows and Extraa Innings," says the popular actor and anchor who besides co-presenting the studio-based extra-long show will also interview cricketers, TV and film celebrities on their views and opinions on players, teams and the game. "It's going to be great fun, mega masti and entertainment."

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