Siddhartha "Babu" Basu (born 1954) is often called the “father of Indian television quizzing”… though some might say he’s also the reason families argued less on Sundays (because everyone was glued to Quiz Time).
Quiz Time 1988
The very first Quiz Time in 1985 turned Sunday 9 p.m. on Doordarshan into quiz hour for the whole country, with IIT Kanpur taking the title and Presidency College, Calcutta, close behind; it was directed by Sanjay Kak, with sets and logo by my theatre guru Barry John, and music by master keyboardist Loy Mendonsa.
Siddhartha Basu turned quizzing into primetime entertainment for millions in India.
He is a graduate of English Literature from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and a postgraduate from Delhi University’s Arts Faculty.
He started out in 1977 making documentary films but destiny clearly had bigger quiz buttons for him to press. He became India’s quizmaster-in-chief with Quiz Time (1985), then helmed acclaimed shows like Mastermind India and University Challenge for BBC.
He has authored several books including Indian Century: A Quizzical History of the Makers and Making of Modern India (2018)
He founded Synergy Communications (later Big Synergy) and struck gold in 2000 by producing & directing Kaun Banega Crorepati, with Amitabh Bachchan in the hot seat.
Since then, has produced and directed some of the most top-billed shows on Indian television — proof that quizzing pays, if you play it smart.
He continues to host or promote live quizzes across India (including for students, corporates, even inmates in Tihar jail) and to run online quiz leagues.