IndianFootball.Com correspondent Nitin Pant had the chance to talk to Mayanti Langer, who is a Zee Sports Anchor and Associate Producer.
For many Mayanti Langer is the face of Indian football on Zee Sports. But she is more than just the face of football in India, as we try to get to know her a little better through this interview.

How did it all start with Zee Sports?

I used to play football at school where I learnt a lot about the game from my coach Keshav Dutt. However even when not playing, I have maintained an association with the game directly and indirectly. I started off anchoring a few live and beach football games for Zee Sports, who had heard of me through the Indian Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) league in Delhi. They liked my work and when they conceptualised Football Cafe, I was asked to join as an anchor and associate producer. This was barely a couple of weeks after my graduation.

The best compliment you have got for your work?

It was from Baichung Bhutia. He said that, "You really know your game."

Any criticism so far?

Yes, but I take it in my stride and it has mostly been constructive criticism.

As part of your job, you watch the games very closely. On the basis of that, what do you think are the best things about Indian football and what are the areas were we still have to improve to match international standards?

India has a lot of talent. We have good goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders. But I think where we lack the most is at striking, we need to have better goal scorers.

The AIFF is trying to turn pro. How far do you think this vision can go and what role does Zee Sports have to play in it?

Zee Sports has to play an integral role in it. I don't know the full details yet but I believe that the media as a whole has to play a huge role in it. The National League is into its 11th edition and its time to get professional. FIFA and the AFC have realized this and have shown interest in the same. Also we realize that if you look at the bigger picture, it is very important for the development of football in India.

You usually do your match analysis with Novy Kapadia. What you have to say about him?

Novy Sir is a walking encyclopaedia on Indian football. He is very helpful on the show and his insight into the game is indeed very impressive. It's just not only football for him, he really knows his game.

You are also the associate producer of the show you anchor. Which one, do you like more - anchoring or production?

Both are equally important to me. I have a good 12 hr long working day and I love to learn more about the game and TV production at the same time. I believe that I am good at production and am confident in performing in front of the camera for precisely the same reason. It is because I know what happens behind the camera that I am comfortable in front of it.

Before coming to Zee Sports you were organizing a youth league in Delhi. Four to five years down the lane do you find yourself doing the same, like working for grassroot level football or the likes?

Well, a couple of years ago I wouldn't have imagined that I will be where I am today, so to be honest I have no idea about what the future holds for me. But yes, I want to keep my mind open about such possibilities.

Name us your list of favourite footballers?

Hmm... It's difficult to say. I would have to say that my list of the best Indian footballers would have to include Venkatesh, Sangram Mukherjee and Mahesh Gawli. There are a few promising youngsters on the scene as well, like Sushil Kumar Singh from Mohun Bagan and Anupam Sarkar being another.

Considering the performances in the first four rounds of the 11th NFL, who according to you are strong contenders for the title?

I personally think Mahindra United and Dempo SC would be the strongest contenders; either team could emerge on top. Although, Churchill Brothers is a team to watch out for as well. East Bengal is trying to turn it around and is on the rise; while Mohun Bagan might not end up on top, but they too might have a few surprises in store.

Tell us a little more about the private Mayanti.

Off camera I'm a very reserved person, not as many social outings as one would imagine! I've been brought up as an open minded, fiercely independent individual. I enjoy learning and need a steady progression in my life. Therefore I love working, career is very important to me. I always thought I would be in advertising or graphic designing, as I was an illustrator in college. I still want to utilise that talent, because all round personality development is very important to me.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I'm close to my family and also have an amazing group of friends. So my off days are reserved for them! I'm a big fan of the movies, going for concerts, or just meeting up whenever and wherever time permits. Once in a while we manage to go out clubbing.

Which is your favourite movie?

Difficult to say because I never have favourites when it comes to movies. Based on the recent films I have seen, I would have to say The Departed and Guru.

What style of music do you like?

Music is a big part of my life, it's the best stress buster. I'm fond of most forms of Rock, Jazz, and Hip Hop.

What is your favourite dish?

I can tell you what my least favourite dish is, and that is any form of seafood!

What do you think about IndianFootball.Com and its work?

Considering how important the internet is in our daily scheme, I think it's a great initiative to spread the word about Indian football. A huge part of my research and my induction into Indian football was thanks to your website.
Plus I love your motto - We love to football you!

You had our Editor-in-Chief Arunava Chaudhuri as expert of the day during the 28th Federation Cup in Calcutta on your pre- and post-match show. How did he do?

We had a blast with Arunava. I suspect he was nervous at first (or it could have just been the heat getting to him!), but we really appreciated his input, opinions and style.
We'd love to have him on the shows again. Arunava are you reading?!

Thank you for talking to us at IndianFootball.Com!