Kaun Banega Crorepati: TV Game Show Overview

What is Kaun Banega Crorepati?

Kaun Banega Crorepati, often referred to by its acronym KBC, is one of India's longest-running TV game shows. It is produced by Endemol Shine India and hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan since its inception in 2000. The show has been broadcast on Star Plus in Hindi and on Sony Entertainment Television in English. It was inspired by the British game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

In KBC, contestants answer multiple choice questions under time pressure to win money and other prizes. The questions increase in difficulty with each subsequent round, and contestants have the option to stop playing once they feel confident enough to do so. If a contestant answers a question correctly, they move on to the next round and are given an opportunity to increase their winnings.

The Format

The show is structured into various rounds, each with different rules and winnings:

1. Fastest Finger First (FFF): Contestants answer a preliminary question to determine who will be the first to play the game.

2. Question of Confidence: This round allows contestants to play at their own pace and stop at any time.

3. Rajat Ka Shyam: This round offers a 50/50 lifeline in first run, and a 50/50 and a phone-a-friend lifeline in the second run.

4. Know Your Money Worth: In this round, the question is deliberately difficult to deter contestants from playing for the money.

5. The Big Money: Contestants play against time to accumulate as much money as possible before they reach their limit.

6. The Final Question: If a player reaches this stage, they must decide whether they want to take home what they have earned so far or risk losing it all by answering the final question.

Cash Lifelines

Contestants can utilize three cash lifelines throughout their gameplay:

1. Big Shot: This allows contestants to reduce the number of choices from five to four for one question.

2. Double Dip: Contestants can return to a previously answered wrong question, but they have only two minutes to answer it correctly.

3. Phone-a-Friend: Contestants can call another person who knows them well to help answer a difficult question. They cannot use this lifeline more than once during their gameplay.

Popularity and Impact

KBC has been successful due to its simplicity, the fact that anyone could play, and the thrill of being on national television. It has also provided the whole nation an opportunity to check their knowledge about general topics like history, sports, literature, science, culture etc.

The show has become synonymous with Bachchan's image and is often credited for his resurgence in Bollywood after his career stalled. Over the years, KBC has helped many viewers become financially independent by providing them with an opportunity to earn money that is hard to come by otherwise.

Seasonal Changes and Challenges

Throughout its history, KBC has undergone several changes and challenges, including:

• Judo Player Tshering Wangchuk: In 2004, India's first judo player from Bhutan played on KBC for a total cash prize of Rs. 1,74,986.

• Rs. 1 Crore Winner and Millionaire Jackpot: The show introduced the concept of millionaires who could win up to Rs. 1 crore.

• Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar appeared as a guest on KBC in season 7.

• Amitabh Bachchan Health Crisis: During the filming of KBC 10, Amitabh Bachchan had a severe bout of throat infection which led to his health issues and eventual surgery.

Controversies

The show has also been involved in controversies over the years:

• Wage Dispute between Bachchan and Endemol Shine India: In October 2019, Amitabh Bachchan, the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', took a huge pay cut due to the bitter wage dispute between him and Endemol Shine India.

• Money Laundering Charge against KBC Contestant: In January 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a businessman for allegedly laundering money through a quiz contest on Kaun Banega Crorepati.

In conclusion, Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan since 2000, is one of India's longest-running TV game shows that tests participants' knowledge while providing entertainment value. It has been broadcast on Star Plus in Hindi and Sony Entertainment Television in English, with various formats and rules designed to challenge contestants. Despite facing controversies and challenges, the show remains popular among audiences and has made a significant impact on Indian television.