Maniesh Paul

Early career

Paul started his career in Delhi, as a host, compering cultural events in schools and colleges.^[4] Later he shifted to Mumbai,^[5] where his first break was hosting Sunday Tango on Star Plus in 2002.^[3] He also remained a VJ with Zee Music,^[6] and a radio jockey with Radio City's morning drive time show Kasakai Mumbai.

Acting career

Later he entered channel STAR One's Ghost Bana Dost to play the role of a ghost. Paul has acted in many serials such as Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi on NDTV Imagine, Zindadil on ZeeNext, Ssshhhh...Phir Koi Hai on Star One, Wheel Ghar Ghar Mein and Kahani Shuru with Love Guru on Zee TV and Kuchh Cook Hota Hai on 9X. However, finding it unsatisfying, he quit daily soaps and was even out of work for eight months in 2008.^[7][3]

Though he had appeared in cameo roles such as in the Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif-starrer Tees Maar Khan (2010),^[8] Paul made his debut in a lead role of the computer geek Mickey in Mickey Virus (2013) which received a lot of appreciation.^[9][10]

Television host and presenter

Subsequently, Paul started his career as a television host and presenter, and gained recognition after hosting Saa Ree Gaa Maa Paa Chhote Ustaad, and later also appeared in the stand-up comedy series Comedy Circus.^[8] He also hosted Dance India Dance Li'l Masters on Zee TV. He also participated in Star Ya Rockstar, a celebrity singing show on Zee TV, and co-hosted the celebrity dance-reality competition Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7 on Colors TV with Ranvir Shorey. He was also the host of Science of Stupid (IND) version. ^[7]

In 2011, Paul won the Best Anchor award for Zee TV's Dance India Dance Li'l Masters.^[11]

Paul has also hosted Science of Stupid on National Geographic. Over the years, Paul has hosted numerous award shows. In 2018, he hosted Sony TV's Indian Idol 10.^[11] Next, he hosted Star Plus's Nach Baliye 9.He is currently hosting discovery plus show History Hunter.