Bangalore: Bangalore-based quizmaster Giri 'Pickbrain' Balasubramaniam of http://www.quizbrain.com added another feather to his cap by featuring prominently in the quiz section of the Limca Book of Records 2003, which hit the markets recently.

In fact, Limca for the first time created this new section on quiz since its launch in 1990. While noted quizmaster Siddartha Basu topped with eight entries, 'Pickbrain' Giri and Derek O'Brien followed suit with seven entries apiece.

"I think it is a long overdue recognition of the contribution and growth of quizzing in India. One must give Limca the credit for introducing a section on quizzing, aptly as part of the education category," Giri Balasubramanaim told Indiainfo.com in an exclusive interview.

Excerpts of the interview:

At the outset, how does it feel to get into the Limca Book of Records?

First of all I think it is finally a long overdue recognition of the contribution and growth of quizzing in India over the decades. One must give Limca the credit for introducing a section on quizzing and aptly as part of the education category.

Coming to us, yes, we are happy, it is certainly encouraging and gratifying to find a mention in the Limca Book of Records, but honestly, we are just lucky to be around at a time when quizzing in India is getting the recognition and limelight.

Can you elaborate on that?

See these records make it seem that quizzing in India is what it is because of the major names Basu, Barry, Derek and me. But there are many more who over the years have contributed to keeping the concept of quizzing alive, from the teachers in schools to the quiz associations.

How does it feel to be featured as the only quizmaster from South India?

Perhaps a trifle lonely!!! Quizzing as a profession is not a natural career choice so it would be limited to a few. It is not an easy decision either to embrace full time quizzing. For me it was the risk of quitting a rewarding career with Walt Disney and for one of my colleagues to quit 3M, but in the end I guess fortune favours the brave.

Did it ever occur to you that you would be featured in the book of records?

No, certainly not. In fact there is a record we created way back in 1997, which has appeared now. I guess that's a better way as well. One should just keep doing what one does in the best possible manner…records and recognition will come their way.

IT, bio-technology, health...any specific reasons for choosing niche segments for quizzing?

We have always focused on creating and maintaining a quality research process and once you have that the subject you research on really does not matter. The packaging of it is where we have made a difference. We have understood the audiences to whom these subjects are targeted and evolved practices that have made our shows in these niche areas interesting and popular.

Very basic...why did you choose to become a quizmaster?

Quiz shows these days are more than just a mind game. It's a platform for brand building, it's an alternate tool for education for awareness creation, which demands proper planning, packaging and execution. So, for me it was an apt synergy with my marketing background and passion for quizzing.


Click here to view the records featuring 'Pickbrain'