The svelte cricket-loving Mandira Bedi has replaced bubbly Ruby Bhatia in MAX's Extraaa Innings during the forthcoming World Cup Cricket 2003. Bedi's inclusion is targetted at attracting women viewers during the early afternoon slots when the World Cup commences early February . Extraaa Innings will spearhead the entertainment segment of the two-hour pre-match programming and post-match programming on MAX, the sports and movie channel of SET.

The reasoning being that Bedi, unlike Bhatia, could relate better with women viewers with her Indian looks and wholesome appeal, feel industry sources. MAX had claimed an increase in female viewership for cricket and cricket-related programming during the Champion's Trophy held in September 2002.

The cricket programming had drawn criticism from some quarters for the dumbing down of the game it entailed. The channel had however insisted that ratings for Extraaa Innings proved otherwise.

Bedi was first noticed by a UTV director, Adi Pocha who cast her as Shanti in 1994. Bedi has also acted in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.. as a character with grey shades.

Bedi is currently acting in a sitcom Papa Baan Gaye Hero for Sony. Bedi was present at the press conference arranged by SET MAX on 9 January 2003 to announce their mega plans for the forthcoming World Cup and had a brief tete-a-tete with indiantelevision.com. Excerpts:

Are you all set to cast your spell and ethrall viewers, or should we say housewives, as the MAX officials put it?
I am a cricket fan and have been enjoying watching cricket since a long long time. I was in Sri Lanka for the ICC Champions Trophy. In fact, I rarely watch serials but I love watching news and cricket.

With Extraaa Innings, my mandate is to bring in the women audiences. Viewers, especially housewives, know me well due to the popularity of my serials such as Shanti. They will definitely identify with me and the curiosity element will make them switch over to MAX simply because they see me on air during the World Cup.

I am sure that I am going to play a part in making cricket a complete family experience. However, this is my first 'role' as a presenter and I am going to give it my best shot. Doing a 'live' show will be an exciting and interesting experience.

What kind of preparations and training are you currently undergoing, especially after the lambasting Ruby Bhatia got for her gaffes?
Well, my liking for cricket is asset and I am sure that I can add value to Extraaa Innings. In terms of preparations, I am familiarising myself with the names and faces of the participating cricket stars. I am also reading about the various aspects of the previous World Cup and getting insights into the happenings during the previous versions. This is in addition to a general overview of the cricket world.

Remember, my role is going to be that of an entertainment VJ presenting views of several cricket personalities, celebrities and adorable fans. I am not nervous and believe that my spontaneity will hold me in good stead. It is more about getting cricket-related opinions and lifestyles.

Since, Extraaa Innings is a 'live' show, there won't be any retakes and gaffes are definitely a 'no-no'! At least, I am going to be sure of my facts before blurting out anything.

Does this mean that you are taking a break from television serials?
I must say that I have taken a break for some time as the World Cup commitments will hardly give me any 'extra' (pun intended) time to concentrate on other projects.

Recently, I have been busy with Papa Ban Gaye Hero, my first attempt at sitcom. I play the role of a bossy housewife who is materialistic and henpecks her husband (played by Vijay Raaz aka 'Dubey' of Monsoon Wedding) who becomes a film star by fluke.The serial basically revolves around comic situations which arise when she starts basking in her husband's glory and tries to cope with the newly generated lifestyle. I am also looking forward to my comeback in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Have you ever visited South Africa?
This will be my first trip to South Africa. I am going to enjoy myself as I feel that it will be some kind of a business-cum-pleasure trip.

During the course of the time I spend there, I suppose I shall enjoy myself and learn more about the different cuisines, culture and places in S. Africa.

Do you need a different kind of preparation for acting in serials ?
Definitely. You need to pay attention to expressions and dialogue delivery. While doing drama, appropriate facial expressions and pauses between dialogues have an impact whereas in comedy, the same can be disastrous if not executed properly. In sitcom, it is timing and spontaneity which are essential.

Though I enjoy doing all kinds of roles, my first love will always be drama. I would love to take on more of negative roles but I guess with a face like mine , they are difficult to come by. At present I am enjoying my stint at comedy. After all the drama I have been doing , comedy is difficult. In comedy one has to be equipped with spontaneity and good timing, otherwise the joke falls flat. In drama, a pregnant pause connotes many emotions but in a sitcom, a wrong pause means that you have forgotten your lines.

Do you enjoy watching 'live' cricket or 'non-live' cricket'?
'Live' cricket is exciting and definitely gets first preference. I too prefer watching 'live' programmes due to a certain degree of expectation, anticipation and suspense.

But, I hope that that the new MAX team of presenters can make the pre-match and post-match programmes as exciting as the 'live' matches.