As IPL fever sweeps across the nation, it’s not just the fans who are glued to the screen—our favourite celebrities are just as hooked! While some are lucky enough to make it to the stadiums to cheer for their teams live, others are finding little windows of time amidst their packed schedules to join the excitement. One such cricket enthusiast is Ishita Ganguly, who’s currently winning hearts as Chamkili in Shemaroo Umang’s show Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain.
Despite her busy shoot days, Ishita is making sure she doesn’t miss out on cheering for her all-time favourite team—Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Cricket has always been my escape, my joy, and during IPL season, it turns into a full-blown obsession!” she shared with a smile. “As a proud Bengali, I’ve been rooting for Kolkata Knight Riders since the very first season. There’s something magical about cheering for your home team—the connection runs deep. And of course, having Shah Rukh Khan associated with the KKR just adds to the charm. I mean, who wouldn’t want to back a team owned by the King of Hearts?”
Even amidst the tight shoot schedule of Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, Ishita finds creative ways to stay connected with the game. “I never miss a chance to catch a few overs—even if it’s just between scenes. My makeup room turns into my little cricket zone—I’ve got my phone propped up streaming the match, snacks on standby, and often, the crew joins in too. The energy is amazing! Whether it’s a six from Russell or a magical over from Narine, we cheer like we’re right there at Eden Gardens.”
But it’s not just about the game, it’s about the togetherness it brings. “That’s what I love the most—cricket brings everyone together. On set, we come from different cities, backgrounds, and roles—but when KKR is playing, we’re just a bunch of passionate fans sharing snacks, laughs, and nail-biting moments. It’s the simple joys that make it so special.”
On a lighter note, she says with a laugh, “Watching cricket has helped Chamkili too, she is picking up a trick or two to beat her competitor, Chaina.”
While Chamkili may be caught in all kinds of drama on screen; off screen, the vibe on the set of Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain is all about fun, friendship, and cricket bonding.
