Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back. And Shahrukh Khan is going to be hosting it instead of Amitabh Bachchan. So, does the tussle between SRK and Big B continues? After replacing him as the brand ambassador of Navratan Oil and ICICI Bank and being the new age 'Don' Shahrukh is all set to get onto the hottest seat of Indian Television. Wonder how will he re-christen Computer ji? C'C'.C'.Computer ji'Anyone'.
Sameer Nair, CEO, STAR Entertainment India, says, 'Kaun Banega Crorepati has redefined television viewing in India. KBC is very close to our hearts as it laid the foundation for Star Plus' unprecedented domination over the last 6 years. We are extremely delighted to announce the Next Gen avatar of KBC and are even more pleased to present Shah Rukh Khan, as its host. We promise to engage and deliver to our audiences a whole new entertainment experience.'
If a Mumbai based tabloid is to be believed then SRK has been booked for a whopping Rs 280 crores which is said to be double the amount Mr Bachchan received (Rs 140 crores). In fact he could be getting Rs 2 crores per episode which is a whopping sum of money. But all this is speculation.
Shah Rukh Khan who is currently shooting for his next film Australia added, 'I was pleasantly surprised when STAR offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC...and little did I know one day I would be hosting it. It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr. Bachchan...but it also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to reach out...talk and interact with my audience through a medium where I began my career as an actor years ago. So here's looking forward to coming round a full circle...guess unlock kiya jaaye.'
STAR India has signed a 5 year contract with Celador for Kaun Banega Crorepati. The deal incorporates both the format and programme license, and is the longest continuing license that has ever been granted for the globally successful show.
Kaun Banega Crorepati will be produced by Siddhartha Basu's Synergy Communications. Says Siddhartha, 'KBC with SRK will bring a whole new set of audience to STAR PLUS. Although I have been associated with KBC ever since it began, this is literally a new beginning for me. SRK's wit, energy, excitement and enthusiasm will rub-off onto all of us and together as a team we hope to create some magical moments on television.'
With reality shows like 'L'll Champs' (Zee TV) and the more recent 'Bigg Boss' (Sony TV) giving stiff competition, it can well be a masterstroke on the part of Star to have roped in King Khan to bolster their claim as the No. 1 channel. But here's hoping SRK will add his own touch to KBC rather than trying to imitate Big B. For while watching 'Don' all the scenes where Shahrukh tries to ape Bachchan, he falls flat, but whenever he added his own dimension to a scene, he came up tops.
So, who makes a better host'.Big B or SRK? Do let us know your thoughts.