When Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) first launched in 2000, the Indian television industry was rife with skepticism. Many questioned the viability of a quiz show in a prime-time slot, especially one featuring Amitabh Bachchan, who was then experiencing a professional and financial downturn. Industry insiders openly wondered, "Who puts a quiz show on prime time? Where have you brought Amit ji from? Indians don't even like this!"
A Risky Bet That Paid Off
Despite these doubts, KBC premiered on July 3, 2000, with megastar Amitabh Bachchan at its helm. What began as a seemingly risky experiment quickly transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Twenty-six years later, the show continues its successful run, with its 18th season currently airing on Sony Entertainment Television.
The success of KBC was attributed not just to its blockbuster format, adapted from the British hit "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", but crucially, to the decision to build the Indian version around Bachchan. His unparalleled stature, fluency in both Hindi and English, and immense mass appeal were instrumental in turning a simple quiz show into essential viewing.
The High Cost of a Dazzling Production
Sameer Nair, who served as programming head at Star Plus during KBC's inception, revealed that the show was extraordinarily expensive for its time. "It was at least ten times more expensive than any other show on Indian television during that period," Nair told The Hollywood Reporter India. He emphasized that the production was "dazzling" and remained "completely true to the original, the exact same layout" as its British counterpart.
Why Amitabh Bachchan Was the Only Choice
Unlike the UK version, which did not feature a film celebrity host, the Indian adaptation strategically banked on Bachchan's unique appeal. Nair explained that Bachchan was "the only actor with that kind of proficiency in both Hindi and English." More importantly, his beloved hero image resonated with mothers, who often controlled the television remote in Indian households, making him a more suitable choice than younger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, who appealed to a different demographic.
After observing a live taping of the British show, Bachchan agreed to host. The Indian version was heavily localized, with Bachchan famously addressing the computer as "computer-ji," effortlessly switching between languages, and featuring questions rooted in Indian mythology and history.
From Slump to Superstardom: Bachchan's Comeback
The KBC gamble transformed not only Indian television but also Amitabh Bachchan's career trajectory. Facing a significant professional and financial slump prior to the show, Bachchan made a remarkable comeback with KBC, which was soon followed by his success in Yash Raj Films’ "Mohabbatein" later that year. Today, Kaun Banega Crorepati continues under Bachchan's stewardship, with Season 18, themed "Sochna Padega," having premiered on August 10, 2026, further cementing its 26-year legacy as a prime-time staple.