Amitabh Bachchan promises exciting changes in KBC season 16
The latest season of KBC will air on Sony Entertainment Television starting August 12, with episodes premiering on weekdays at 9 pm.
By Eastern EyeAug 05, 2024
MEGASTAR Amitabh Bachchan, who is set to host the 16th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), announced on Sunday (4) that the new chapter of the popular quiz show will feature "interesting changes" to the game.
The latest season of KBC will air on Sony Entertainment Television starting August 12, with episodes premiering on weekdays at 9 pm.
In a detailed post on his personal blog, Bachchan shared that the show provides contestants with a platform not only to win substantial cash prizes but also to share their personal stories.
"Some fresh new interesting changes in the GAME and the impact it will have and the learnings... but above all the 'emotions' that overcome us all when the outcome of the contestant before us narrates his or her story... The dire circumstances they exist in and then the volume of their years of distress... and suddenly they find themselves here on the 'garam kursi' (hot seat) and they get taken up by the emotion of the moment (sic)," the 81-year-old actor said.
One of those new changes is 'Dugnaastra', through which the amount won by the contestant would be doubled after they correctly answer the 'super sawaal'. The catch is that the contestant would have no options to choose the right answer from, according to a video shared by the channel on social media.
Bachchan, who is currently shooting for KBC, said listening to the contestants talk about their struggles in front of millions of audience members in the past few days has been a "moving" experience.
"BUT... with that most endearing smile which just melts us ...for the past few days the contestants and their lives that come before us have been most emotional and moving ...and we sit in the wonder of their narratives... and try to extend helping hands for their needs and to try and overcome their harsh lives...
"...may they be given all the strength that the Almighty can ever bestow upon those that struggle and set examples... and teach a lesson to these (sic)," he added.
The cinema icon has hosted KBC since its inaugural season in 2000, except the third chapter in 2007, which was hosted by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Bachchan most recently starred in Kalki 2898 AD. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, has crossed the ₹1,000 crore-mark (£931.75 million) at the global box office. (PTI)
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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