Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is an Indian television program providing individuals of diverse backgrounds, from the less privileged to the affluent, an opportunity to win Rs 1 crore. The inaugural season commenced in 2000 and featured the iconic hosting of Amitabh Bachchan. Bachchan ji adeptly took on the role of the host, but subsequently, the reins of the show were handed over to another prominent Bollywood personality – Shahrukh Khan.
In 2007, with the third season of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, a new face started hosting the show – the ‘Badshah’ of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan. Shahrukh did the hosting job with great enthusiasm. While the team was hoping for another successful season, a sharp decline in television ratings was reported. The audience was not ready to accept Shahrukh Khan as the new host and Amitabh was brought back to the show from the next season.
Now, in an interview with The Indian Express, the show’s producer Siddharth Basu has talked about season three and why even a superstar like Shah Rukh can’t guarantee a hit. “Comparing Shah Rukh didn’t succeed due to the challenges posed by drawing parallels with AB. I think Shah Rukh did KBC in his way with charm and intelligence and as far as I know, it achieved good ratings. We Shahrukh and I have done three shows together.” I believe he is one of the most natural TV hosts who can think on his feet,” he said.
Even when the first season was offered to Amitabh, he was not interested in joining the show. Since he had always been a film actor, he was apprehensive about appearing on television. However, he was convinced to do the show when the show’s team took him to London to watch a taping of the original Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
When Shahrukh was called to host the show, Shahrukh said, “I was pleasantly surprised when Star offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC… and I didn’t know that One day I’ll host.”.”
