To get noticed in the world of digital shows is no easy task but Vikram Sathaye is surviving and thriving. The cricket presenter and standup comedian is the host of Viu’s successful talk show’ What The Duck’, the third season of which is on air now.
The show is all about stories; he engages the cricketers with casual conversations on their careers and their life which includes dressing room secrets, sledging stories and cricketing trivia.
From little master Sachin Tendulkar to South African cricketing legend AB de Villiers, Vikram has interviewed them all.
He spoke to Rajitha Menon about his new show and what it means to don different hats in the field.
What piqued your interest in cricket?
I used to play cricket when I was younger; I have even played for the national under-19 cricket team. Later I realised that I was a better mimic of cricketers than a cricketer myself. I decided to switch to comedy and have never looked back since.
How has the journey as a cricket presenter and standup comedian been so far?
Standup is an isolated profession; you are the king of the jungle. My job here is not to showcase my talent but be a fan who asks a lot of questions. While a standup comic has to get the audience to laugh, here my job is to make sure the cricketer is comfortable.
Which platform do you enjoy more?
The adrenaline rush that one gets while performing on stage can never be replicated and digital has its own charm. But it is every performer’s dream to perform in a big space, so my experience of performing live in a stadium is what I cherish above all.
What’s new this season on the show?
The audience wanted more of banter — how and what the cricketers talk about, anecdotes and stories. For this, we have sought out cricketers who have a certain friendship and chemistry with each other.
Tell us a fun moment from the sets of the show...
Recently, we had shot an episode with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. In the episode, Sehwag talked about his bond with Pakistani player Inzamam-ul-Haq. Despite the rivalry between the teams, he would casually ask the former captain to change the setting of the fielder so he could hit a six. Inzamam actually did this to see if Sehwag can actually hit a six then. But when another player would question him, he would give them a mouthful.
What made you write your book — ‘How Sachin destroyed my life…’?
The idea was the same as it was behind the show — I wanted to share stories from the world of cricket. I was a fan and a cricket presenter and had good relations with the players.
This gave me access to them and their lives; I ensured that I went with them on all the cricket tours during the last 10 to 15 years. I felt portraying these stories in a fun manner would fill the gap in sport literature.
What is the one characteristic a show presenter and comedian must have?
As a presenter, especially a cricket show host, I realised that I needed to lessen my role and focus on getting the guests to talk about their experiences. So as a comedian, you are the performer while as a presenter, you need to get your interviewee to perform.
Which has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
As a stand up comic there were many; I have performed in almost 2000 shows. The first show was really special as I got to perform in front of the Indian and Australian cricket teams.
Then there was the time when Sachin asked me to do a gig at the party after his retirement. Everybody from the cricketing world to Bollywood celebrities and political leaders were present; it was unforgettable.
What does a normal workday in your life look like?
Honestly, I am a happy pearl. I am not ambitious in life. When I am not working on my shows, I laze around. I work smart, not hard.
What are your hobbies?
I have a group of musician friends like Shantanu Mohitra, Swanand Kirkire and Shreya Ghoshal. We meet often and have a gala time singing and having fun.
What are your future projects?
To make sure that the ‘What The Duck’ franchise grows. I will make sure that it covers many other aspects of cricket as well. Beyond that, I will try and create newer interesting properties in sports and humour.