Siddhartha Basu

Siddhartha Basu Biography

Siddhartha Basu is an Indian television producer-director better known as a quiz show host of Indian television. He has been one of the earliest quiz show hosts of Indian television and today he is widely regarded as the father of television quiz shows in India. He has also produced and directed top rated game shows of Indian television - Kaun Banega Crorepati and Dus Ka Dum, all seasons. He is Chairman and Managing Director of Big Synergy Media Ltd., established in 1988 as Synergy Media Ltd. He started his career in 1977 as a documentary film maker and later in the 1980’s moved to television. Most recently he was seen playing supporting role in Bollywood movie Madras Café (2013). India's Got Talent, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Aap Ki Kachehri - Kiran ke Saath, Sacch Ka Saamna, and Khelo Jeeto Jiyo are the popular shows produced by Big Synergy Media Ltd.

He was born in Kolkata and brought up in Mumbai. His schooling was done at different schools - Besant Montessori School, Cathedral and John Connon School, Bombay, and Frank Anthony Public School, Delhi and completed at Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Madras. He became an English literature graduate from Delhi's St. Stephen's College and completed post-graduation of same subject from Delhi University at Hindu College. He was one of the founding members of Theatre Action Group in 1973, while studying at college. He was also active in theatre as an actor. Basu has also worked in a few television serials of Doordarshan in the 1980’s of which Purvai needs special mention.

Basu's career in Doordarshan began in 1977 as a documentary filmmaker. He also hosted and directed many television shows in the 1980’s, when Doordarshan was the sole source of entertainment. He started "Quiz Time" in the 80's and students belonging to different colleges and universities participated in his quiz shows.

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Updated: February 21, 2014