THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE TO HARDWORK: SAMMY

Being on stage, presenting, talking, interacting, motivating, mentoring and offering creative solutions, that’s what keeps Sammy fueled. The microphone and the stage are his callings! As an anchor, he has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Dynamos, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabangg Delhi, Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Ranchi Rays, La Liga India, Premier League India and Royal Challenge Bold league are some of the names who have turned to him for their bigticket events.

When asked about his career choices, Sammy said, “I started my career as a radio jockey in 2011 with Power FM and Kolkata and my hosting career with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012. I used to host events before that but not of a magnitude of an IPL. It was always a conscious effort to keep both ships running together.” He further added, “Sports was always a part of life growing up. My mother’s side of the family is sports fanatics including my mother. I remember growing up mom and I would sit and watch cricket and football matches together. There was an India match in Bangalore where Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble batted out of their skins to take India home, their respective moms were in the stadium watching, and I was watching with my mom at home. My first match as a host just reaffirmed the fact that I was born to do this.

When asked about the challenges he faced, the dynamic man said, “Quite a lot. Starting with the fact that I was one of the first Sportainment hosts in the country, so did not have a reference point to go to. The third season onwards I had an idea of what works and what doesn’t work. I think the fact that I understand the game very well is an advantage I have. Benchmarking your cost also is a challenge honestly. People don’t know how much to pay you. A very interesting reply was received when asked if there is a scope for the next common man who loves cricket and is trained in media journalism to come through. Currently, the arena is dominated by excricketers, he said, Yes why not? Look at Harsha Bhogle. Look at Jatin Sapru. Non-cricketers yet some of the best in the industry. It will be difficult for sure to make a name for a noncricketer, but it is not impossible. Always try and see how can you bring a bit of “you” into it.

On his experience with FIFA World Cup, Sammy told that it was absolutely fantastic. He continued, “The fact that I hosted the FIFA women’s World Cup here in India is a big deal to me. Honestly, you get to learn so much. During the games everyone was focused on one and only one thing, everyone in the stadium should have fun. And that just resonates so well with what I believe in - “Give everyone in the stadium their ticket money’s worth”.

When asked how he wishes to inspire the younger generation and guide them to seek interviews on the ground, Modak exclaimed, “Believe in your dreams. Work very hard to make them true. On the path to success, you will be hindered by a lot of obstacles and stupid people. Don’t make them your reason to whine and cry. Just forgive and move ahead. You should be dictating your life, nobody else.”