For years, Roadies, a show known for adventure and drama, has been famous among the youth, giving us names like Rannvijay Singha and Ayushmann Khurana, among others. Joining the list is Hyderabadi contestant, Baseer Ali, who is the only contestant from the city on MTV Roadies Rising this year. Though Baseer’s audition had gone well, none of the team leaders (Prince, Neha Dhupia, Rannvijay or Karan Kundra) chose him, until Harbhajan Singh bowled a googly and Karan and Prince were asked to reconsider.
“Roadies is that one place where you can earn respect and people know you on a national level. You get a chance to perform and prove your mettle against people from across the nation. Fame is a bonus,” says the 21-year-old contestant.
A graduate from St. Mary’s College, Baseer used to make Hyderabadi vines along with a group, on their channel called Habibiz Vines. Talking about his experience on the show so far, Baseer says, “The experience has been amazing although I was very nervous when I started the show. People here are much older than me and have represented India at various levels. I was just a YouTuber standing in their midst. Slowly, I got used to the hustle and began to feel that I was made for this. The appreciation from my gang leader, Prince, and my fellow contestants boosted my confidence.”
Baseer’s audition clip helped him earn a privilege pass that came in handy. Talking about why he chose Prince as his gang leader, he says, “Prince had played and won the game, and later joined as a gang leader. He understands the game both from the point of view of a gang leader and a contestant, so he could guide me the best. But given an option between four of them, I would have chosen Rannvijay.”
Baseer, who wants to be a VJ and try his hands at acting after the show is over, says, “Roadies will help me build confidence. I want to become a VJ, and also take up acting classes.”
The show, it seems, is already helping Baseer bag the limelight. “Roadies has helped me become stronger. A lot of people now recognise me. I have various fan clubs made by people across the country and my social media accounts are overflowing with messages. I am going to prove to all of them that I am worth it,” he says.
