An actress, television host, writer and travel influencer — Shenaz Treasurywala wears many hats. Her latest venture brings her to Dubai as she hosts the fifth season of cricket show CricQuiz on Colors, which is all set to air in June.
Treasurywala is an avid traveller and lifestyle influencer, with more than 10 million views on her YouTube videos She vlogs her journey around the world and uses the platform to establish her opinions as a social activist.
The Indian-American actress, who was last seen in Kumail Nanjiani’s critically acclaimed film, The Big Sick, spoke to tabloid! about her experience of hosting her first quiz show and her passion as an artist.
What motivated you to take up this show?
When Viacom (production house) called me, they told me they were formatting CricQuiz from a serious show to a fun show for the family. It sounded enthralling and new. We were to shoot 10 episodes in 3 days in Dubai which has always been one of my favourite places to visit. And I decided to do it!
- Shenaz Treasurywala
What excites you most as a TV show host?
Connecting with people. I feel I am a good host because I connect with people. I like to listen and talk — it’s a way to get out there. I feel if there’s one thing I have a talent for, it’s actually hosting. Putting a voice to things that people may actually think or believe. That really excites me.
You’re used to being on camera, but how was your experience hosting an informative quiz show for the first time?
This is the first quiz show I’ve hosted and it was so much fun! It was fun because there was excitement and when I see the contestants, I can see they really want to win. There were teams of two — there were brothers, husband-wife, friends and so on. It was really nice to actually see such diversity in relationships.
How do you think this cricket quiz show is different from any other traditional show?
I think it’s different because it has me as a host (giggles)! But we basically had a lot of fun shooting it since it had many rounds. It’s actually just like a games at a friend’s house. Even if you don’t know much about cricket, this show is fun. We actually had to play. It wasn’t just about questions and answers. It just brings all your skills together — drawing, acting, everything!
This season is said to have a whole new avatar. What type of challenges and tasks have been incorporated this season?
There are a variety of games this season. We have one round of dumb charades. There is also a lip-reading game — wherein one person of the team listens to loud music on headsets and the other has to scream out the name of a cricketer or any other cricket-related word so the other can guess it. We incorporated some activities like balancing a ball and batting a ball into a golf course. Every show has a different variation. This one was always exciting and didn’t get boring. Even for me as a host.
We’ve shot 10 episodes of this season in 3 days, which was quite packed.
How have you incorporated your ideas and style to this show?
I think that when you host a show it’s always your way. It’s bringing my personal humanity into the show. Every person brings their own flavour to the show. When you see me hosting it’s completely different from when you see Gaurav Kapoor (cricket anchor) or somebody else hosting the show. I think every host brings in their creativity and personality to everything they do.
Have you been a cricket fan?
I like cricket. I like playing it as a sport more than just watching it. I don’t watch it all the time. That’s what they (the team at CricQuiz) wanted. Because in the teams, there was always one person who was an ardent cricket fan. We wanted to make this fun, rapid and more than just about cricket.
CricQuiz is one of the biggest cricket quiz shows in the country and had over 400 cricket enthusiasts auditioning last year. What’s your take on the growing interest in cricket in the Middle East region?
I believe the one thing that binds the Indians together around the world is cricket and Bollywood. I was not surprised with the interest among so many people here (in the Middle East). Especially when people live away from home, or live away from India — in order to keep in touch with their roots — cricket is the way. I’ve realised every time people stay away from home, they cling on more to their nation and nationality. There’s nothing better which brings Indians together as much as cricket.
How was your experience with the participants of the show?
There were people who were getting really nervous. I had to ask them to calm down and say “its OK, it’s just a game”. But they said they wanted to win. So there was always a competitive spirit.
Is there any one thing the audience should watch out for particularly in this season?
There’s a lot to look out for. They should just watch the show and enjoy it.
You’re a writer, actress, travel and lifestyle influencer and a host — which role do you enjoy doing most?
I believe I turned all my three passions into one. Specially now, with my travel blogging; I make videos and I’m hosting them as well. If you watch what I host, it may not come across as a script because it’s very natural. I talk to my audience in my vlogs. So, I married my love of hosting, travelling, producing and creating content. I absolutely love acting. That’s a different thing altogether. I can’t pick and choose, but I’m very much enjoying this whole new exciting phase. I’m in love with what I’m doing right now and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.
You’ve got a large number of followers on your social media accounts. How effectively do you use the platforms to establish your views?
I see everyone from social media all the time. And I myself feel that if I’m not inspired or learning something new, I’m wasting my time. Through my social media I believe I learn something new — be it a new place or be inspired, to do something beyond the ordinary. I’m either making inspirational videos or I’m just laughing because I love doing comedy as well. I also feel that you have to use your voice on social media when you have a following. I believe I can use my voice because I know people are listening and I use my voice for the social issues I care for. Women empowerment is something that matters to me the most. Especially with the current scenario in India where it’s absolutely horrific but true, sad and embarrassing. So, I really believe that if you have a voice you need to reach out because I feel that’s my social responsibility as a human being.
How was your experience shooting a show in Dubai?
I really love Dubai. I was shooting for three days but during my short stay I really discovered Dubai. I visited La Mer since I have never been there before. I think Dubai has the best places to eat. I’m a foodie. Also, this city has a great nightlife. What I really love about Dubai is the skyline. I have travelled the world, but the Dubai skyline is completely different. It’s so artistic with the buildings, it’s so crazy because I haven’t seen buildings like these anywhere. It just feels so futuristic. I would love to do more work in Dubai.
- Don’t miss it
Colors CricQuiz 2018 will air every Sunday in the UAE at 9pm on Colors TV.
— Simran Kanal is an intern at Gulf News.
