Cricket and entertainment are completely different - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, once a captain of Indian Cricket Team and now a powerful entertainer and an apt commentator, is a tremendously popular name in both cricket and outside cricket arena. From leading a team on the field to hosting a show on television, Ganguly is as versatile on-field as he is off it.  

The cricketer-turned-entertainer recently came to Dhaka to join the launching of Rupayan City Uttara, the first gated community in Bangladesh, as its brand ambassador. This reporter caught up with him for an interview. Excerpts:

Do you remember your first tour to Dhaka?

Sourav Ganguly: Yes, I remember it very well. It was in 1989 when I first came here to play Asia Cup Under19. Two years, later I came here as part of Bengal Cricket Team in 1991. 

Since your retirement you've been engaged with much else, and hosting an immensely popular show is one of them. Is there any connection between cricket and entertainment?

Sourav Ganguly: Cricket and entertainment are two completely different entities. You cannot relate them. However, I have got used to both. 

From cricket field to commentary box and to television shows, you have seen success everywhere. Does it take anything special to be successful at what you do?

Sourav Ganguly: You have to be good. As a player you have to be good, as a television person you have to be good. You have no substitute for excellence in life.

How do you think, as a brand ambassador, Rupayan's gated community can benefit Bangladesh, especially Dhaka being one of the most densely populated cities in the world?

Sourav Ganguly: This is the first gated community in Bangladesh. It will definitely bring a positive change as the concept of living is changing with time. We need to adapt to that change as well.

What's your take on Bangladesh Cricket Team?

Sourav Ganguly: I am very happy to see Bangladesh cricket. They have improved immensely. When Bangladesh first played test cricket in 2000 against India, it was my debut match as a test captain. If I look back now, and draw a comparison between the two times—I feel wonderful to see their improvement. Not only senior cricket, Bangladesh has done really well in junior cricket (age-level) too. Because the junior cricket has improved, the senior cricket has improved as well. Bangladesh cricket will go a long way, and see more success in the days coming. 

How do you think cricket can brand a country?

Sourav Ganguly: Being a very popular sport, cricket plays a big role in branding a country. Look at Bangladesh, and see what cricket has done for this nation. Say Brazil, entire world mostly knows them for football, if not for coffee. 

You're working for the promotion of education. What's your thought on this?

Sourav Ganguly: This is like a hobby. I love working for child education. I want them to be educated and do well in sports. I have my own cricket academy for teaching children cricket. 

You have done “Egiye Bangla”, a television show on young entrepreneurs. How can this type of show put a positive impact on society?

Sourav Ganguly: I did it on request of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It had a very positive impact, but it was not as popular as “Dadagiri” (chuckles).    

Some shows on Zee Bangla take participants from Bangladesh. Given the fact that “Dadagiri” has immense popularity in Bangladesh when can we see participants from Bangladesh to your show?

Sourav Ganguly: It depends on what I am asked to do. It's completely up to Zee Bangla, and the show-runners. 

Who is busier, cricketer Sourav or the present Sourav?

Sourav Ganguly: This Sourav Ganguly is much busier. This life is more challenging than leading the Indian Cricket Team.