Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 16, 2018)

Speculations have been rife for quite some time that the second season of TED Talks India: Nayi Soch, hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, may not happen this year as the superstar is busy with his film, Zero. However, After Hrs has learnt that the makers are apparently planning it for the last quarter of 2018.

A source informs that the show is likely to be shot in November and aired the same month or in December. “Last time, the episodes were shot in August and aired in December, but this time, there won’t be such a long gap between the shoot and the telecast. It will be on the same channel that aired the first season,” adds the source.

Though the first season didn’t get high TRPs, it got critical acclaim for being different and knowledge-driven. In April this year, TED announced that the show will be renewed for three more seasons.

However, they didn’t give the timeline. But when they asked Shah Rukh if he could allot dates this year, he apparently agreed to shoot in November. While the previous season comprised seven episodes, this time he is likely to shoot for eight to 10 episodes. “Celebrities including music maestro A R Rahman, who couldn’t make it last time, will be invited to give a motivational talk,” adds the source.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 16, 2018)

In the six weeks that Shah Rukh Khan’s TED Talks India: Nayi Soch has been on air, it hasn’t been able to dominate the TRP charts or become the most talked-about show. However, the makers of the inspirational talk show are already contemplating returning with the second season. Khan, we hear, has been sounded off to continue his role as the host of the series.

A source from the unit tells midday, “The producers are happy with the way the show has panned out and are keen that Shah Rukh reprise his role in the second season too. The contract is currently being worked out.”

The show will air its seventh episode in the coming week, followed by the finale, which will be a round-up of the five best talks from the ongoing season. With the first season wrapping up by the end of this month, the team is eyeing the end of 2018 as a probable time to kickstart the next instalment.

“The channel is still in the process of roping in speakers and working out the dates. If they manage to zero in on all the speakers in time, the season may kickstart during Diwali,” adds the source.

For now, Academy Award winner A R Rahman has been finalised as the speaker on the first episode. “The channel was trying to get Rahman in season one itself, but it didn’t work out due to date issues. However, he is on-board the new season,” says the source.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 3, 2018)

While shooting for an upcoming episode of TED Talks India Nayi Soch, Shah Rukh Khan was so impressed with the Indian women’s cricket team skipper, Mithali Raj’s journey that he requested her to train the players of his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders ( KKR). “I want you to be the coach for my team, KKR,” SRK told Raj, who replied, “I would give it my best [if that happens].”

The cricketer was part of a special episode that celebrates the power of women. A source tells mid- day, “Mithali spoke to Shah Rukh about her struggles, the prejudices she battled to become a cricketer and the experience of making it to the World Cup finals last year. Even before the shoot started, they had a conversation about the association.”

So far, KKR has had senior coaches like John Buchanan, Dav Whatmore, Trevor Bayliss and Jacques Kallis.

As Shah Rukh Khan's inspirational show TED Talks India: Nayi Soch enters its third week, the superstar will have his close friend, Karan Johar, for company. KJo dedicates an emotional letter to his twins, Yash and Roohi
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 19, 2017)

As Shah Rukh Khan's inspirational show TED Talks India: Nayi Soch enters its third week, the superstar will have his close friend, Karan Johar, for company. Turns out, the episode will see the six speakers, including the filmmaker, talk about the emotional journey of their life. Naturally then, Johar decided to dedicate his segment to his emotional anchor - his two kids, Yash and Roohi. Not just that, taking a cue from his film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), he penned a letter for his twins - the contents of which he read out during the episode.

A source from the unit revealed, "Since the subject of the episode was 'Changing Relationships', Karan focused his speech on his kids. In his letter to the twins, he wrote how his father, Yash Johar, had given him the freedom to choose what he wanted to be. Karan wrote that he too hopes to be as supportive to his children."

Johar also took the opportunity to address the problems that his kids might face as the offsprings of a single parent. "As you grow up, people will try to label you according to colour, looks, religion, popularity, and money. People will gossip about you, but know that no one can label you. Just because you are different, it doesn't make you wrong.

You may be treated differently in school; mothers of your classmates will come to drop them, but you will have your father to take care of that. While most of your classmates' mothers will make a WhatsApp group to discuss your homework, I will be the only father in it," said an emotional Johar as he read out the letter. Other speakers on the episode include percussionist Sivamani, social activist Jasmeen Patheja, photographer Samar Jodha, and 17-year-old Trisha Prabhu, who will talk about tackling cyberbullying.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 6, 2017)

TED Talks India: Nayi Soch, which has been a rage on the Internet, is coming to India in the form of a television show. It's only fitting that the show, which aims to give a platform to innovative ideas and success stories, will be hosted by one of India's biggest success stories - Shah Rukh Khan. On why the concept has been redesigned to suit the model of a TV show, the actor says, "It may seem that we are going the old route by picking the med-ium of television. But this is the first time that TED Talks is happening in Hindi. The language will [help us] cater to a huge audience."

With Khan coming back as a host after his stints in Kaun Banega Crorepati and Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, comparisons with his peers – especially Salman Khan (Bigg Boss 11) and Akshay Kumar (The Great Indian Laughter Challenge) are inevitable. "I'm not competing with them. They are in a league of their own. This show has a very different sensibility. It is meant to inspire people. We are not restricted by TRPs and ratings."

Describing it as a show "that's closest to my heart", Khan says it is the sheer idea that encouraged him to come on board. "I've not charged as much as most actors do," he smiles, before adding, "Money has never kept me going. With the grace of God, I'm well to do. I've never really done anything for money." The superstar, who is known for his eloquence, has also been approached to write and contribute for the TED Talks book. "It is a huge honour because this is so creatively satisfying. Of all the things I have done in my life, this show makes me feel alive."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 18, 2017)

The third quarter of the year will see several top Bollywood stars vying for your attention, not on the big screen, but on the small one. Salman Khan will be back to host the 11th season of Bigg Boss in October, Akshay Kumar is returning to TV after three years as the super judge of comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Shah Rukh Khan is making a comeback to the small-screen with TED Talks India as its host, Shilpa Shetty Kundra continues to be the judge on Super Dancer 2, and an assortment of B-Town actors will be battling it out on Farah Khan’s show Lip Sing Battle.

Amitabh Bachchan with his deep baritone voice and inimitable hosting style is already drawing the viewers to his game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which is back for its ninth season and has dethroned the Rohit Shetty hosted Khatron Ke Khiladi as the numero uno last week, while Sonakshi Sinha is judging a devotional music show Om Shanti Om.

These stars, however, come at a hefty price. They charge anything between Rs 1 crore to Rs 6 crore for one episode! And, yet, channels go all out to rope in the biggest stars for their non-fiction shows because their mere presence elevates the brand value of the show. And if the combination clicks, then there is no looking back. Salman has been hosting Bigg Boss for seven seasons now, Bachchan is the face of KBC since the beginning except for one season where Shah Rukh had taken over. And it goes without saying that with every season, the remuneration has increased. Here, we take a look at the money these stars are pocketing for lending their names to shows.

Salman Khan
Show: Bigg Boss 11
Paycheck: Rs 11 crores per day (two episodes)
The superstar has hosted seven consecutive seasons — he started with the fourth season of the controversial reality show that has so far aired a total of 10. The promos of the 11th season with Salman have already raised curiosity on what it will entail for its fans. Meanwhile, we hear, Dabangg Khan, who earned nine crores per day for two episodes in the last season will take home Rs 11 crores this time. He shoots only once a week, every Saturday in which the makers record two episodes. His irreverent style of hosting, wry sense of humour and banter with the contestants, even when he pulls them up in case of wrongdoing, have endeared him to the viewers. No wonder, the channel refuses to let him go, despite the huge remuneration. It’s a different thing that every year, there are murmurs of him not doing the show and another actor replacing him, but Salman remains the big boss!

Shah Rukh Khan
Show: TED Talks India: Nayi Soch
Paycheck: Rs 30 crores for 10 episodes
King Khan returns to television with the Indian version of the international format Ted Talks as the host. A source says that Shah Rukh was the first and last choice to host the show. Says a source, “The original makers of the show were clear that they wanted only SRK to host the show. Not only that, he is the only Indian film actor to have delivered a TED Talk when he flew to Vancouver early this year. His motivational speech was heartwarming, inspiring and peppered with a dash of humour. Who better than him to curate the show here?” Needless to say, the channel was ready to dole out whatever the superstar demanded. Also, it will be a niche show, informative and motivational unlike the other reality shows and will have limited episodes.

Amitabh Bachchan
Show: Kaun Banega Crorepati 9
Paycheck: Rs 2.75 to Rs 3 crore per episode
He was the first A-list actor to host a TV show, KBC, back in 2000. The show revolutionised television viewing, and Bachchan’s charisma and warm banter with the contestants made it a winner. Even in its ninth season, it’s Bachchan’s unbeatable energy and enthusiasm that continue to be the highlight of the show and it’s not surprising that Big B charges around Rs 3 crore for it. Earlier, the millenium star would get Rs 2 crore, but now that the show is back after three years, the fees have increased.

Akshay Kumar
Show: The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 5
Paycheck: Rs 1.65 crore per episode
The Khiladi returns to TV after three years with this comedy show and the busy actor will be shooting eight hours a day, once a week. Says a source, “The makers wanted a big name from Bollywood to judge the show and among the A-list actors he is the only one with several comedy films to his credit. So, he is apt for the show.” The superstar has so far hosted an action-adventure show, Khatron Ke Khiladi, a cookery show, MasterChef India and a dance adventure show Dare 2 Dance. On TV, this is his first stint with comedy, and the channel is counting on this entertainer for eyeballs.

Sonakshi Sinha
Show: Om Shanti Om
Paycheck: Rs 75 lakhs-Rs 1 crore
She made her TV debut as the judge of Indian Idol Junior. She was next seen on the panel of Nach Baliye 8 and now the actress is judging a bhajan reality show. Says a source, “It was when she was approached for Nach Baliye that the makers had spoken to her about this bhajan show. It was to be aired on the revamped Life OK channel and at that time only, she had agreed.” Considering her last few releases haven’t fared well at the box office, Sona has found the best way to be in the limelight as well as make money.

Ranveer Singh
Show: Om Shanti Om
Paycheck: Rs 2 crore for a day
No, he is not hosting or judging the show, he was only the sutradhar in the opening two episodes. This, however, was his first show and the makers had no issues with his huge remuneration as they were banking on him to pull in the audiences.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Show: Super Dancer 2
Paycheck: Rs 50 lakhs per episode
This Bollywood actress is a veteran when it comes to TV. From judging to hosting to being a contestant, Shilpa has done it all. She was on the panel of several shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye — she even hosted Bigg Boss 2, and later participated as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Shilpa, who judged Super Dancer last year, is back as part of the jury in the second season. The glam diva is sought-after on the small screen and makes the most of it.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 14, 2017)

Shah Rukh Khan’s TV comeback show, Ted Talks — India, was to launch in October during Diwali, but now we hear, it has been pushed ahead. The Indian version of the international show, to be hosted by SRK, will go on air either in mid-November or even

December. According to sources, the channel has invested hugely in the show and a lot of post-production work needs to be done. Also, right now, they have two celebrity-studded shows coming up — Akshay Kumar’s The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, on which he is the super judge and the other is Farah Khan’s show Lip Sing Battle. Both the shows will be aired on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

Says a source, “Shah Rukh’s show is also slated for weekends, and they want a very good slot for it — either in the morning or evening. They are looking at building it up like Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate, as Ted Talks is also very informative. They want to open it in a big way. Even SRK is not in a rush. His last few releases haven’t fared very well at the box office and he is very particular about his comeback show. So, they have decided to wait it out and take a call on it later.”

Interestingly, last month Shah Rukh and Akshay were all set to clash on the big screen with their films Jab Harry Met Sejal and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, respectively. Both movies were to release on August 11, but at the last minute, SRK shifted his date and released the film on August 4, instead. However, this time around it’s not Akshay who has caused the shift.

Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 9, 2017)

With Jab Harry Met Sejal behind him, Shah Rukh Khan is now focussing on his latest endeavour — TED Talks India: Nayi Soch. Aping the format of its international counterpart, the show will have SRK play host to speakers, who will present their innovative ideas and success stories in speeches of 18 minutes or less.

While Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor had already been roped in to deliver talks on the show, the latest stars joining the line-up of speakers are music maestro A R Rahman and Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj.

Dr Mihir Shah [founder and CEO, UE LifeSciences], who has developed a device for early detection of breast cancer, and Anju Maudgal Kadam of 100SareePact that aims to encourage people to embrace the six yards, will also share their insights on the seven-episode show.

Shah Rukh Khan is expected to start shooting from August 20. The actor has allotted a 10-day window this month for the shoot, following which he will dive back into the shoot of his yet-untitled film with Aanand L Rai.

A source reveals, "The show will air on Sundays post Diwali in October. Each episode will have four to five speakers sharing their stories. It is likely to be shot at Yash Raj studios." To take King Khan's show a notch higher, sources say that former US President Barack Obama, who is slated to travel to India for a conclave, has also been approached to make an appearance. However, there has been no confirmation on that front.