KBC 3(with srk) : Concept and Articles - Page 19

Shah Rukh magic prevails on KBC

Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan Monday night strode into the millions of homes as new Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) host and charmed the audiences with his instant wit and warmth.

Proving sceptics wrong, Shah Rukh, clad in a black suit, comfortably stepped into Amitabh Bachchan's shoes as the anchor of the popular quiz show.

If the first two seasons of KBC were mega hit, with Shah Rukh it's set to scale new heights of success in its third season.

On day one of the show, he was at his hilarious best.

He said: 'I am going to unlock KBC - but before that I would like to answer a few questions. People asked me, 'Will you speak in Hindi?' I will talk more, rock youngsters and shock you with my jokes sometimes.

'I was also asked, 'what kind of coat you will wear?' Whatever you want me to wear I will wear it. I will even wear petticoat,' said Shah Rukh.

Said Virendra Popli, senior vice president (interactive) of STAR India PVt Ltd: 'We are loving it. It's a great show and initial response is phenomenal. And, of course, we are relived. As far as future plans go we are planning to build up on it.'

Fans' verdict was also positive.

'He is going to be super-hit as he is doing what he is best at. He is an intelligent conversationalist and he made it obvious on the show,' said Neeraj Kumar, a Delhi-based professional

They say the first impression is the last impression and Shah Rukh has surely started on the right note. Though his persona is different from that of Amitabh, he has managed to keep the spirit and essence of the quiz show intact.

If anything, you can feel the generation gap between the two superstars - Shah Rukh is wittier, livelier and more easy-going with his contestants.

He was very friendly with Sarkar, the first day's contestant, and even shared pleasantries with his wife as well.

Shah Rukh's official language is going to be 'Hinglish' and instead of 'lock kiya jaye' he says: 'Freeze kar diya jaye'.

Like his fans this is a big moment for King Khan too so he is rejoicing it at the Taj Hotel here with Samir Nair, Popli, and 400 STAR employees.

The show's launch was preceded by a stylishly shot hip-hop music video and, as usual, the king of Bollywood was at his best in it.

Copyright Indo-Asian News Service

Xclusive -SRK- "KBC3 to be more entertaining , Young generation in focus"

( In a telephonic interview with Kanpur based journalist N.R. Saxena last evening/night , King Khan talks about KBC3 )

The first thing that comes across is honesty , as he is asked if he is tense .

" Quite frankly I am , but it is basically the same feeling that I have had on countless previous occasions when one of my new film releases as I await the audiences' response . I have worked hard and Inshaallah they will give the me their love , affection and support like on innumerable previous occasions "

Asked about the USP of KBC3 , he says " I am the USP (smiles) of KBC3." He adds that " The basic format of the show is the same as we had to stick to it but it is definately much more entertaining and more enjoyeable."

Very humbly he adds that " The person seated on the hot seat will be much more relaxed this time as compared to the previous ocassions with Mr. Bachchan as I feel many contestents were overawed by his personality ."

Asked if this TV show was affecting his (film) shooting schedule , he said " Not at all . At present I am busy with the shooting of Farah's 'Om Shanti Om' , the shooting of which commenced earlier this month . As both the sets ( KBC3) and that of 'Om Shanti Om' are in Film City , it is very convenient for me to give attention to both ."

Asked if there was anything specific about KBC3 that he wanted to be done , he said that " I am in favour of children below the age of 18 being given the opportunity to participate in the show as they are the future of the country and would contribute to nation building . I have already spoken to Star TV about it ."

About the celebrity episodes , SRK says " I have left the decision entirely to the higher ups at Star and honestly I am not in favour of imposing any celebrity from my side ."

As per the advice of the KBC3 technical team , a set of the quiz show has been put up at his house 'Mannat' . Shah Rukh says that " The rehearsels have really helped as there was not much time and I had to start from the basics ."

When asked about being compared to Amitabh Bachchan , he said that " I have faced that situation on countless times and the most recent being when 'Don' released . Entertainment industry has become really big and obviously the media has come up in a big way and that is why print and broadcast media ( including channels) have to resort to these gimmicks from time to time , so that they stay ahead from the nearest competitor ."

King Khan concluded by saying that " It is only the audience that decides the fate of my films or shows or for that matter any other star !" .

So , Shah Rukh you need not worry , your fans love you , and the audiences are with you . Fingers crossed , you will come out with flying colours , all cylinders firing , this time too -Amen

KBC makes me nervous, says SRK

Aarti Kapur Singh
CNN-IBN

Posted Monday , January 22, 2007 at 19:21
Updated Monday , January 22, 2007 at 19:44

Mumbai: Only hours before he invades millions of homes as the new host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), superstar ShahRukh Khan talks about the show that will undoubtedly alter the direction of his career. "I'm nervous on Fridays but now I'm nervous on Mondays because of KBC," said Shah Rukh.

It's the first of those nervous Mondays that Shah Rukh's speaking about, the day millions of viewers finally see him taking the seat that until recently was occupied by the country's most revered icon.

The same seat, the same role, the same show that turned around the fortunes of Amitabh Bachchan.

Comparisons are inevitable, but KBC's brand new quizmaster says the show itself is a bigger star than the men who host it.

"I don't know what I have done on the show. I just hope that once the show is out, so are all the odious comparisons. I hope people see the show and enjoy it on their own. I don't like saying it but I think it is an individual show which goes beyond the anchors," said Shah Rukh.

The first contestant on the show's new season, Prasenjit Sarkar, holds the unique distinction of being the only person to be grilled by both Bachchan and Shah Rukh.

The man in question, a rollover contestant, waited 15 long months to return to the hot seat after Bachchan's illness threw the show off-schedule.

In his own inimitable style, Shah Rukh welcomed Sarkar back to the set and packed him off smiling.

"He won a good amount of money and he was happy he came in with his wife. He was happy that he could do the show with Mr Bachchan and then a little happy that he could do it with me also," said Shah Rukh.

Making people sing, dance and cry is hardly new for Shah Rukh who has built his film career out of doing just that.

But this time, without beautiful Swiss locations behind him, without a gorgeous leading lady on his arm, and without either Karan Johar or Yash Chopra monitoring his moves in the camera, it's up to the actor's own charm, quick wit and presence of mind, to see him through this challenging but exciting new change of gear.

Video:

http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/31809/kbc-makes-me-nervous-say s-srk.html

Shahrukh Khan Causes a Stampede in Mumbai

Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Monday, January 22, 2007>



Shahrukh Khan is a superstar. In every sense of the word. He is also a People's person. For he loves them. Unconditionally. This is what was evident today at a nondescript Gokuldham Society in Mumbai where SRK wowed the crowds varying from kids, jumping-on-chairs middle aged pot bellied ladies and men sitting in their kitchen windows as if watching an engrossing cricket match. The occasion was to promote 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' which is kick-starting today at 9.

Now, the choice of venue may be a little odd. But the purpose was fulfilled. 100%. For the media was present in full force. And in a bid to get that elusive picture of the superstar, they left no stone unturned in getting as close to him as possible. Even if it involved getting on someone's toes or even slapping the channel officials present (yes, a lady anchor from one of top Hindi news channels actually slapped a girl from Star TV who tried to stop her from going beyond a certain point due to security concerns).

Shahrukh Khan, unaware to this ugly scenario, regaled the hungry fans in his characteristic style. A child squealed to his friend, "I can't believe I am watching Shahrukh Khan with my own eyes." And this was true for everyone present. SRK bowed before his fans, thanked them, urged them to watch KBC from today and pardon him if they don't like something. "I want your love till the time I am doing this show and till the time I'm doing films," he said. He even climbed the chair so that more people can see him. Clearly. The performer in him made sure that he made eye contact with his fans in all directions, even the ones who were behind his back and watching him from their rooftops.

Indiaglitz was there to catch all the action. So, do check out the video 'Shahrukh causes stampede' that we are bringing for you today itself. Mumbai is a city filled with celebrities. Generally people don't bother when they come across a star walking on a Juhu Beach on a normal evening. But, there's absolutely no doubt that SRK is different. And words are not enough to say it all. You've gotta check it out for yourself…..And find out why this Khan….Rocks….

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/28654.html

Shahrukh Causes a Stampede

[Monday, January 22, 2007>

Shahrukh Khan is a superstar who loves people. And people love him a lot in return. Today he regaled the crowd at Gokuldham Society in Mumbai to promote 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' which is starting from today. In this special video check out why SRK is called a People's person. And how his presence caused a stampede where people did almost anything possible to get close or have a sneak peak of the superstar. This one's an EXCLUSIVE....Piping hot from the oven to your table...The same day....Relish-n-Cherish....

Video:

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/gallery/Events/1143 5.html

SRK makes KBC work, and how!

Prem Panicker | January 22, 2007 22:36 IST

So now we know what the nation -- or at least that section of it that has access to cable television -- will be doing between 9-10 pm Mondays through Thursdays: watching Kaun Banega Crorepati or, more accurately, ShahRukh Khan, in his latest avatar as game show host.

Disclaimer: I am no Shah Rukh fan; his acting style, to me, resembles nothing so much as badly set jelly. But as a live host, he really has no equal -- the qualities his closest friends say are his strengths as a person, are precisely what he brings to the table here.

Shortly before the premiere of KBC, circa 2007, I spoke to a cinematographer who has known him, and worked with him, extensively. He mentioned three traits: warmth, incredible energy, and a habit of talking 19 to the 12, with the gift of repartee thrown in.

Warmth, and an ability to convey genuine empathy with a contestant's fortunes, made Regis Philbin, advancing age notwithstanding, an unparalleled host of KBC's original, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Shah Rukh has both these qualities: he is warm as the weather, if not warmer; when he hugged carryover contestant Prasenjit Sarkar at the end of the latter's run, he held the hug long enough to have satisfied his closest friends.

And in his interactions with the contestants, there is -- or, as a competent actor, can portray -- genuine empathy, can suggest that he really wants the contestant to win the greatest amount possible.

Those two pluses would be enough to not just carry the show, but to lift it to a level higher than the previous anchor, Amitabh Bachchan, managed. But to this, Shah Rukh adds a run-at-the-mouth style laced with impromptu humour that has you chuckling even at the distant remove of your own home.

Those two traits -- humour and non stop chatter -- were in evidence right from the outset, when he segued into 'shudh' Hindi to underline the impossibility of speaking in it.

From then on, you upped the volume, and watched the show not so much for the contestants, but to make sure you didn't miss any of his impromptu moments.

Maybe it is good scripting, sort of like the guy who said he spends a lot of time preparing his impromptu remarks -- but his delivery is spot on, and there are occasional signs that he is riffing as he goes along -- like the time he walked around to the second contestant of the day and gave him a little massage to relax him.

Where Bachchan came across as imposing, even aloof, Shah Rukh if anything swings to the other extreme -- his 'gimme five', his teasing Prasenjit Sarkar's wife and trying to get her to say 'All the best, I love you' to her husband at the start of the show, his insistence that a contestant who has had enough doesn't say I am quitting, but instead says I want to hug you (Main tumse gale milna chahta hoon) -- it is all guaranteed to create in the audience the sense of watching a favourite friend do what he does best: be the life and soul of the party.

There were little moments of ersatz magic strewn through the show; enough to ensure that a sizeable section of the population will, here on in, leave work a half hour early so as not to run the risk of being stuck in a traffic jam while the show is on.

So what's not to like? That tacky song that introduces the segment, for starters, with Khan cavorting in the midst of a bunch of under-dressed babes -- eminently avoidable, and if it is the regular intro to the show, I'll pass.

Overall?

When Super Millionaire was launched in February 2004, the then struggling network ABC struck gold, drawing an audience of 17/5 million viewers on average and earning the rating of the most watched TV program on debut night -- and also for the next three episodes.

With Shah Rukh helming KBC -- and, likely, getting better as he eases into this new role -- a few viewership records will likely tumble.

Oh, and by the way, SRK's KBC will also be aired on Vijay TV for those who want to watch it in Tamil.

KBC: The first verdict is out | Your say

Roshan Tamang
ibnlive.com

Ok, at the outset let me admit it that I am not smitten by SRK's charms. To set the record right, nor am I a fawning fan of the Big B. To me these have been just names that I have been spared to spell in the past 12 years of my career. Also let me tell you, I have no interest whatsoever in who emerges the ultimate King of Bollywood. For me, films are what I pay for to watch when I cannot entertain myself otherwise.

So, when I watched the first episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati's second coming on Monday night, a copy of the American show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, I did so with no love lost for either 'stars' and much out of curiosity rather than genuine interest (I missed Ocean's Twelve on HBO for it!).

The media had been abuzz with the news of ShahRukh Khan, as the new host set to take over from Amitabh Bachchan, for months. And I plead partly guilty to fanning the fire, but I also stand absolved by blaming the readers for wanting it.

However, the day of reckoning for SRK, I reckon, was not really worth reckoning. Far from bringing in his own style and panache - which he is known to inject into his films - to the show, The Man Touted To Be The King looked, and sounded, a tad too familiar. His mannerisms, perhaps sub-consciously, was not much different to his predecessor's. Some discerning viewers, like I, perhaps, saw in SRK an overwhelming booming echo of the past.

And the contestant, an affable Bengali who had been on the Big B's last show and who wanted the viewers to believe that this time his sole purpose at the contest was to hug SRK in the end, added the final nail to the artificiality of the whole show. So did SRK's mis-pronounced rendition of a Bengali poem-song earlier on.

But, you need to give it to the man, he did it with panache – remember the same panache, the one he failed to inject into the show?

So on Monday night, the Computerji became Compaqda, and later Computerda. Wonder if he can keep it up when the rest of India parks itself in his 'Hot Seat'.

In all, there was no spark to the show. Or maybe we were now looking for sparks of the Jade Goody-Shilpa Shetty kind. Maybe, because the KBC on Monday was too tame a show. The same set, similar setting, the same set of people in the audience – or so they looked in the shadows. There was a sense of familiarity, like seeing the same set of beautiful pictures over a thousand times.

Maybe, viewer expectations were too high. Maybe, a new format and a new host was too much of a risk for the channel. Maybe, we were expecting something more from The Man Touted to be the King. Maybe, we are right in doing so.

Big question on KBC: SRK better than Big B?

New Delhi: Big B had pregnant pauses, SRK talked and talked — TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati returned on Monday night with a new quizmaster, change in style and millions of viewers nationwide.

For months now, the show's fans and the media have been speculating what actor ShahRukh Khan would bring to the show after superstar Amitabh Bachchan's exit. SRK did bring a lot of change — in the way he talked, quizzed and smiled.

The hugely successful quiz show returned to the small screen after a year-long break and for SRK it was going back to his roots – television.

The King Khan started his career with teleserial Fauji and after more than a decade he returned to host one of Indian television's most successful shows.

The show returned with an unchanged format but the deep baritone of Big B gave way to the exuberance of Khan.

He began with a tirade on Hindi but soon tried to evolve his own style with doing high fives with the contestants. Not only that, the superstar and now game show host also did an impromptu massage to the one of the contestants since he was feeling nervous.

Khan sought to shed the apparent conservative look of the show and made it clear that he was there to talk, rock the youngsters and shock the viewers with his jokes.

"Main lock nahi karoonga. Main talk karoonga, youngsters ko rock karoonga, mere jokes se aap logon ko shock karoonga," the superstar said and even offered to wear a petticoat on the show if the viewers desired so.

Khan started off the show in true Bollywood style as he danced to the tunes of a neatly-choreographed title song, a new addition to the game based on the US hit Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire.

The first contestant being a roll-over contestant from the last show made Khan say in his usual witty manner that for the first time in a quiz show, the contestant is the same but the quiz master has changed.

Another visible change, which the superstar decided to plug, was the Lenovo computers which had given way to Compaq ones with SRK calling them Compaqda.

And ironical as it may sound, Cadbury is one of the sponsors of the show with Big B featuring in the ads. So who really was a refreshing 'break' – Big B or SRK?

On day one it was good television but it seems still too early to see if SRK has passed the TV test. Janta what say?

IBN Live

India Millionaire's new 'friendly' feel

By Monica Chadha
BBC News, Mumbai


Khan says 'Big B' is a hard act to follow

Millions of Indians were glued to their television screens on Monday evening to watch Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in his new role as anchor on the Indian version of the television game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

The actor replaced Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, presenter from the time the show was launched in 2000.

The show started with a music video of Shah Rukh Khan, apparently his own idea.

Khan came across as a friendly anchor, who high-fived with a contestant when he got the answer right, spoke in another's native language and even gave a back massage to a third who said he was too nervous.

'Better-looking'

One viewer, Avanti Shah, told the BBC she found him more enjoyable and entertaining to watch than Bachchan.

It seemed like an overdose of Shah Rukh Khan during the advertisement breaks... I am not sure I am watching it again

Viewer Ashok Ganapathy

"He seems more approachable, as if he is one of us while Amitabh Bachchan would seem very intimidating.

"He rapped a few lines in Bengali when the contestant asked him to, he spoke to another contestant in Tamil to put him at ease and I think he is great! I am definitely watching it tomorrow," she said.

Usha Vaidyanathan said he should take up presenting full time: "He is definitely better dressed than Amitabh Bachchan. I think he should give up acting."

Men, however, seem to think differently.

"He lacks the charisma of Amitabh Bachchan," said Vinay Kanodia.

And Ashok Ganapathy said the show was clearly aimed at women and the younger generation.

"There is an energy he brings to the show no doubt, but he doesn't have the presence of Amitabh Bachchan. His attempts at reaching out to the contestants such as giving a high-five, hugging anyone who doesn't want to play the game any more and even giving back massages seem childish.

"Also, it seemed like an overdose of Shah Rukh Khan because during the advertisement breaks, more than half the ads featured him! I am not sure I am watching it again."

'Different'

Bachchan made the Indian version of the show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) or (literally: Who Will Become a Millionaire), so popular that at least 40 million viewers were tuning in during its second season.

As a woman if I was in front of Mr Bachchan I would be in awe of him

Media professional Chaitali Patel

While Shah Rukh Khan has his own vast fan base, many are curious to see whether he will be capable of filling the very large shoes of his predecessor and drawing in as large an audience.

The game, the sets, even the music theme remain the same.

Yet the show is quite different from before, says Siddharth Basu, whose company Synergy Communications is producing it.

"This KBC is different because it has SRK [Shah Rukh Khan] as anchor. The whole texture is playful, youthful and outgoing because he is like that," Mr Basu said.

He said the actor was quite "engaged and involved" when he joined as anchor.

"He does a lot of his own script writing," Mr Basu said. "He is very proactive and that is good because for an anchor, because there is acting involved, a little bit of drama is as important. An anchor needs to think on his feet and with Shah Rukh, he is riding on wings."

Mr Basu said the previous anchor, Amitabh Bachchan, was an "awesome" host.

"He was inimitable, his gravitas did a lot for the show and he was eloquent in both Hindi and English. He was a meticulous person who prepared in great detail before coming on the set and he had great style and substance."

On the other hand, Mr Basu said, Shah Rukh Khan is perfect to draw in younger audiences.

"He has an undisputed sway over the young as well as female audiences and he can charm them in a major way. From the basic feedback that I have, the show has had a huge response from younger people and women who want to participate in the show from the time he's taken over."

The actor has reportedly worked very hard in preparation for his new role as game show host.

He had a mock set installed in house in which he would practise his delivery and questioning skills. He also spent hours on the set practising his lines, his entry and exit from the sets.

His clothes, mostly formal suits, have been designed by Bollywood director and good friend Karan Johar.

'He hugged me'

Media professional Chaitali Patel got a chance to play a mock game with him during one of the rehearsals.

Bachchan gave up the show after ill health

She told the BBC: "As a woman if I was in front of Mr Bachchan I would be in awe of him but in front of Shah Rukh Khan, it's like 'wow!'."

She said Mr Khan came across as "spontaneous, funny, nice and someone who went out of his way to put me at ease".

Ms Patel also said: "When I got voted out of the game, he came over and hugged me and he hugs so well, smells so good!"

Apparently, Mr Khan does that with every contestant who gets voted out of the game.

However, Mr Basu explained this is his way of reaching out to people and everyone, from contestants to crew, got hugged by him.

The actor, who started his career in television, moved on to Bollywood films and delivered numerous hits before coming back full circle to the medium that first gave him recognition.

When he watches the first show with the entire team of KBC, along with millions of other viewers across the country, the chances are he might be thinking the million-dollar question as many others: does he match up or even outperform his predecessor?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6288569.stm