When a contestant sits on the hot seat, Amitabh Bachchan — the eternal host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) — asks the questions appearing on his computer screen. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have questions for the veteran actor. In tonight’s episode of the quiz game show, the cast of Ikkis — Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and director Sriram Raghavan — finally satisfy their curiosity. But that’s not all.

The episode also features Amitabh’s grandson Agastya Nanda — who plays Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis — along with his sister Navya Naveli Nanda and mother Shweta Bachchan Nanda, albeit on video.

Giving a low-down on the special episode, KBC’s showrunner Sujata Sanghamitra says, “The highlight [tonight] are the Bachchans [and Nandas] coming together to support Agastya and [remembering] late actor Dharamendra. The whole episode is a mix of fun, emotions, and patriotism. Navya and Shweta also expressed their pride in Agastya’s performance in Ikkis.”

The episode begins with a tribute to Dharmendra, followed by Raghavan, Ahlawat, and Agastya recounting the experience of working with the icon. “Throughout the season whenever there is talk on Dharam ji, Amitabh sir spoke about his close [friend]. He has been very disturbed by the loss. [Often seen reciting his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poems], sir discussed about how Dharam ji wrote his own poetry in the film with the cast,” shares the showrunner.

Sanghamitra recounts how Raghavan compared Agastya to a young Amitabh from his Saat Hindustani (1969) days. “Sriram shared that he met Agastya when he was 21, the same age as the protagonist of his film.”

In the final leg of the episode, an inquisitive Ahlawat takes over the mic to ask Amitabh about his family — “Who is the most pampered? Who keeps track of everybody’s movement?” “[He said that] they have a family group so every morning he knows who is going where. Sir gets embarrassed when questions are asked about the family,” she smiles.

Amitabh Bachchan; Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi; Commander Prerna Deosthalee; Arun Sheshkumar

It has been 25 years since Amitabh Bachchan first appeared on the small screen in our living rooms, showing us how a quiz show could be rewarding and entertaining. The megastar returns as the host tonight, as he opens the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). While it is always a joy to see the legend on screen, mid-day has learnt that he has a special episode lined up for August 15. The makers have planned a special Independence Day episode, where Bachchan will be joined by Indian Navy Commander Prerna Deosthalee, and the two women who led the press briefing for Operation Sindoor — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force — on the hot seat.

An audience member reveals, “The episode was taped last week. The makers wanted the faces of Operation Sindoor to celebrate Independence Day with us.”

With the new season, the audience can also expect a few changes in their favourite quiz-based game show. Apparently, the creators want to expand their audience base to Gen Z. The promos were designed keeping them in mind.

A source reveals, “KBC has had a dedicated audience among the older generation over the years. Those who were in their 30s and 40s when the quiz show began airing in 2000, have continued to follow it. But now, the makers want to attract Gen Z. The promo — jahan akal hai, wahan akad hai — was designed to speak to them, as this generation is a blend of intelligence and attitude.”

There will be a change of format too, with the prize money for the first 15 correct answers having increased significantly. The jackpot, however, remains the same at Rs 7 crore.

Arun Sheshkumar, who has helmed the popular show since 2012, reveals that the latest season will have a young vibe to it. And who better than the young-at-heart Bachchan to host it, he notes. “Mr Bachchan has always been into learning newer things and is interested in what Gen Z is doing. Even today, he is learning how to use Instagram. For KBC, he has been fully involved in the creative process with mock tests, and discussions on how to make the show more entertaining.”

Before every new season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the internet goes into an overdrive speculating whether Amitabh Bachchan will return to his hosting duties. This time, the rumours have taken a new turn, with the buzz suggesting that Salman Khan is in advanced talks to host KBC 17. However, speaking to mid-day, the quiz-based game show’s director Arun Sheshkumar dismissed the chatter. 

He said, “Whatever you have heard about Salman replacing Mr Bachchan is completely incorrect. Mr Bachchan is hosting the 17th season of KBC. It’s the 25th year of the show, and we are putting in efforts to make it grander.”

Bachchan has been synonymous with KBC since its inception in 2000, hosting every season barring the third edition. We’ve heard that the megastar will start shooting the upcoming season in July. A source reveals, “It will air from August 12, and Bachchan saab will begin shooting mid-July.”

Another source reveals that a few years ago, certain stars were approached to take the mantle from Bachchan. But on further deliberation, the heads of Sony TV as well as the actors felt that replacing the legend would be unwise.

“Some top stars, who were approached a couple of years ago, refused, saying that Bachchan’s shoes are too big to fill. The megastar is not only loved by the masses and classes, but also creatively involved in every aspect of the show. Kartik Aaryan is the only actor who has been sending feelers to host KBC, but he is too young and cannot bring Bachchan’s gravitas and knowledge to the table,” elaborates the source.