Mandira Bedi:femme fatale of cricket world.

Life’s changed for anchor-actor Mandira Bedi ever since the game of cricket took her on,she shot to international fame as a television presenter during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

She was particularly noted for the variety of wardrobe she put on display during the WC series for the whole world to watch.
For many, she is a femme fatale of the small screen or the cricket world. Many of her die-hard fans consider her an essential oomph girl. For commoners she is simply a changi kudi Punjab di (Pretty girl from Punjab).

It is not uncommon to hear comments from the female viewers' domain that she tends to be more loquacious than necessary at the Extraa Innings cricket sessions. But her staunch fans would consider such views only as an upshot of envious admiration.

‘‘You know it’s really strange but now I have people asking me to write sporting columns, like a technical thing,’’ laughs the spirited and very sporty Bedi who feels even her 11 years on television hadn’t got her this kind of popularity as Extraa Innings has.

‘‘I’ve always enjoyed the game as a fan and not really as a follower, if you know what I mean.

My dad and brother were hooked to the game and I just joined in". Interestingly, despite her close association with the game, Bedi’s not yet met Dhoni!

"Of course now I love watching it though the women’s team wasn’t doing well in England lately,’’ remarks Bedi who we all know has gone out of her way to support the country’s women cricket team.

‘‘With the recent merger of the BCCI with the Women’s Cricket Association of India, things are looking up for the girls,’’ tells a visibly pleased Bedi.

Mobbed by fans in every 'Gully'

With Extraa Innings, her assignment was to bring in the women audiences. Viewers, especially housewives, know her well, having been exposed to her histrionics in "Shanti".

Set Max channel is reported to have registered a markedly sharp ascent in female viewership after Mandira entered the scenario. No wonder then she has continued to be their brand ambassador, and maybe would do so for a long, long time to come.

With all respect to the other female players in the World Cup arena and without any offence intended to them, it can be said that Mandira left longer lasting impressions on the viewers than Sandhya Mridul, Maria Goretti Khan and Ruby Bhatia, feel a majority of viewers.

Millions of Mandira`s fans all over the world are waiting eagerly for an hot Extra Inning from her in the next ICC World Cup in West Indies,but before that, she’ll be seen in a 'Gully' nearby! .

Mandira Bedi - back in the 'Gully' !