Amitabh Bachchan chats with Subhash K Jha ahead of Season 17 of the hit show Kaun Banegi Crorepati as it gets ready to air starting August 11th, in this special interview.
Would you agree Kaun Banega Crorepati is the best role of your career?
I think there’s a difference between my films and my television role. Whether it’s cinema or television a lot of other people besides me have roles to play. If it wasn’t for the intrinsic merit of the game KBC wouldn’t have worked.
Do you enjoy your one-to-one interaction with participants on Crorepati?
Everyday, every season, it’s a new experience. Each day there’s someone from a fresh background. Plus there’s the opportunity to interact with a live audience. I keep meeting all kinds of fans and well-wishers. There have been some very emotional interactions with such people. God! There are so many memories of interactions with fans. During the time I was ill in hospital, the outpouring of affection was unforgettable. That’s an experience I’d never forget.
A section of the media had predicted your downfall when you decided to do Crorepati?
You know it’ s the media’s job to write. They’re doing their job. In 1980 Devyani Chaubal had said the sun had set for Amitabh Bachchan after she saw Lawaaris. God bless her soul. This is what life is about. It throws challenges all the times. It provides new opportunities every day. I’d like to believe every day has been a new learning experience for me. But I’m excited about being in this profession. Every day is a struggle. I’m very excited by the way life has treated me.
Has the volume of fans increased after Crorepati?
They still come to my house in the evenings. And I meet them, yes(softly). I don’t think the number of fans increases or decreases due to my economic or commercial standing. They come out of an unconditional affection for me. I’m just thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to reach out to the younger generations through Kaun Banega Crorepati. I consider myself very fortunate. I ‘m sure any anchor would have succeeded, given the format and technical polish.
Has KBC changed your life drastically?
I wouldn’t say that. Television was one of my new areas of interest during the past year. I was apprehensive about going into the home medium. A lot of my friends advised me against it, out of genuine concern. I went ahead and did it. Fortunately it turned out well. Yes. I’m busier than before, though the days and hours of work remain unchanged. Only the nature of work has changed. Television and cinema are completely different mediums. There’s no written script for KBC.
What do you feel when fans on the show connect so warmly with you?
It shows their genuine love and affection for me. I truly appreciate that. I’m indebted to them for being with me for so long. I just hope I continue to make them happy with my work.
