‘Worst idea in history’: KBC makers were told, ‘Where have you brought Amitabh Bachchan from?’

Amitabh Bachchan's hosting of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) was once considered the worst idea in history. The show, an Indian adaptation of the British hit Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, faced skepticism when it was first proposed. Sameer Nair, then head of programming at Star Plus, revealed that KBC was ten times more expensive than other shows at the time.

The primary concern was Bachchan's ability to connect with audiences across generations, as he was the only actor with proficiency in both Hindi and English. Bachchan agreed to host after watching a live taping of the British show. The production values were extravagant, maintaining the original layout and question style. Bachchan skillfully switched between Hindi and English, addressing the computer as "computer-ji" and tailoring questions to Indian culture.

The show was a massive gamble, often dubbed the "worst idea in history" by those who doubted its success. However, Bachchan's hosting proved to be a game-changer. After struggling with a career slump and financial woes, Bachchan experienced a resurgence with his return to the show. His presence revitalized KBC, which is now in its 18th season.