THE recent finale of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 15 led to speculation, even among some in the media, that Amitabh Bachchan might be retiring from hosting the iconic quiz show.
However, his emotional sign-off marked the end of another successful series, and it’s expected he’ll return for season 16 later this year. Despite the premature tributes on social media about the end of KBC, both the show and Bachchan’s impact on it warrant greater celebration. The journey of KBC is one that deserves more recognition.
When he started hosting the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on July 3, 2000, the Bollywood legend was facing a career slump and financial troubles.
Little did Big B know that his first magnificent step onto the small screen would be a game-changer, revitalising his fortunes and transforming Indian television forever. His presence popularised television viewing across India, propelling it into the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today.
Big B on the sets of Kaun Banega CrorepatiBachchan’s impact also bridged the gap between television and Bollywood, inspiring prominent film personalities to venture into hosting TV shows in various formats, a phenomenon previously unheard of.
From ordinary individuals winning substantial prizes to heartfelt human stories and star-studded specials, Big B presented audiences with some of the most memorable television moments. This trend continued through the recently concluded season 15.
Unlike other international quiz shows, many participants entered KBC not just to win huge cash prizes, but also to meet Bachchan himself. He established connections with diverse generations in a manner that no other TV personality could achieve.
When they replaced Bachchan with superstar Shah Rukh Khan on KBC season three in 2007, there was so much fan outrage that the ratings plummeted and the show went off air for more than three years.
It returned in 2010, switching channels from Star Plus to Sony Entertainment Television, where it has been ever since with Bachchan at the helm.
Beyond the array of emotions and entertainment, the show has provided numerous inspiring moments. It has offered opportunities to the socially excluded, exemplified by the inclusion of acid attack survivor Sonali Mukherjee, who appeared alongside actress Lara Dutta in the hot seat. Even the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic failed to deter KBC and its incredible host, leading to a season filmed during lockdown, devoid of an audience.
His iconic presence on the show became deeply ingrained in popular culture, inspiring the bestselling novel Q&A, which was later adapted into the Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire.
There have been many instances of celebrities sharing their joy at being featured in a KBC question by Bachchan.
Many clips and episodes of the show remain popular on YouTube.
When the 81-year-old icon eventually bids farewell to KBC, which hopefully won’t happen anytime soon, he can reflect with immense pride on the enduring impact he’s made on India’s cultural fabric through this show. It was no surprise that fans were distressed when they incorrectly interpreted Bachchan’s heartfelt sign-off as an announcement of his retirement from the show.
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