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)
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.