Rochelle Maria Rao
 |
A former Miss India runner-up, Rochelle, 24, won the Miss International title in 2012.
Role in Extraaa Innings
I think the show is perfect as it is, but I am looking to bring in my own personality. It’s not a regular show that looks for serious anchors. The focus on Extraaa Innings is more on entertainment and that’s what I will be bringing to the show. I am talkative, goofy and I like to have a good time. That’s what you will see on the show.
Oomph quotient
How can two women be on a show and not make it hot?! It will definitely be a lot more glamorous this year.
Style
I plan to keep it casually sexy. So it will be a lot of one-piece short dresses, short skirts with minimalistic tops…. Lots of accessories and bright colours. Very young and fresh. I am not looking at anything very fashion-forward because cricket doesn’t call for that. It’s about being sexy, but I don’t want to overdo it.
The cricket fan
I haven’t followed too much of Test cricket. But I have followed every season of the IPL. Every time there would be a match in Chennai, I would try and catch it in the stadium. I wouldn’t say I am an expert, but I do love the game, and the energy and the excitement that comes with it.
Ever held a cricket bat?
Oh, I have! Growing up, it used to be quite a war when the boys would give us girls a chance at the game. But I don’t think I was good. My hand-eye coordination isn’t that great!
Team to support
This year I won’t be rooting for anyone. I have a soft corner for Chennai Super Kings, though. But since I am getting a wider perspective this time, I am looking at a lot other teams as well.
Cute cricketers
It’s someone’s game that always appeals to me more, actually. Like when Chris Gayle walks out, you always know that it could be one of his crazy days. Then there is Yuvraj (Singh), Virat (Kohli) and (Dwayne) Bravo who have combined style with spunk. They’ve got their dance moves… they love to party and they bring glamour into the game. Looks wise, I like the older ones… like Shane Warne.
Gaurav Kapur or Sameer Kochhar — the cuter Extraaa Innings host?
I’ve known Gaurav a little bit longer than Sameer, but that doesn’t really answer your question! I find them both very inspiring… but Gaurav has somehow managed to strike the balance between being goofy and formal.
Sexiest team owner
It would have to be SRK (Shah Rukh Khan), right? He’s the sexiest guy in Bollywood right now! But I’ve always been a fan of Preity (Zinta). A lot of people tell me that I look like her and I am really looking forward to meeting her.
Dream final
My dream final actually happened last season with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. I feel Mumbai Indians will do well this time and I think KKR will remain strong. Maybe it will be KKR vs Mumbai Indians and a win for Mumbai Indians because they haven’t won the IPL so far.
Five cricketers to be stuck in an elevator with
Oh, that’s exciting! Ricky Ponting because I have always been a fan. I would definitely like (M.S.) Dhoni to be there because he’s so cool. Then, Virat… Chris Gayle because it will be really funny to see a guy of his size stuck in a lift and the fifth would be Sachin (Tendulkar) because how can you have five cricketers on a list and not include Sachin?
KARISHMA KOTAK
 |
Best known for her stint in last year’s Bigg Boss, 30-year-old Karishma has also featured in the Kingfisher Calendar and acted in Telugu and Malayalam films.
Role in Extraaa Innings
I’m very, very excited. Our schedule is packed… we’ve got about 55 days of non-stop cricket. There is a certain type of personality that the show demands and Rochelle, Sameer, Gaurav and I bring it in. I will just be myself. Anchoring is my forte and I really enjoy cricket. I am not there to give technical details… I just have to be happy and bubbly.
Oomph quotient
You will have to wait and watch! Everything I wear will be sophisticated, chic and classy.
Style
It’s going to be primarily western. A lot of dresses and pencil-length skirts. It’s going to be very hot weather-wise, so I am looking at cute summer dresses and light jackets.
The cricket fan
I do enjoy watching it, though I don’t catch every single match. It’s a religion in India, so you can’t help but watch cricket. It’s everywhere!
Ever held a cricket bat?
I have never played cricket. Now I feel that maybe I should have!
Team to support
I am a Mumbai Indians fan because I have lived in Mumbai for a while. They haven’t won the IPL in five seasons and I hope it’s their year this time.
Cutest cricketer
Ooh, for me it will always be Imran Khan! Can’t think of anyone else!
Gaurav Kapur or Sameer Kochhar — the cuter Extraaa Innings host?
Both these guys are a lot of fun and quite good-looking. I think Gaurav and Sameer have done an amazing job on Extraaa Innings all these years.
Dream final
I am looking at Mumbai Indians in the final. And maybe KKR or Chennai Super Kings.
Sexiest team owner
I love Preity! I have been lucky enough to meet her and she’s a perfect gem.
Four cricketers to be locked up in the Bigg Boss house with
Imran Khan, of course! Then Ricky Ponting, Dhoni and maybe Virat.
