Shah Rukh's joke on Balmiki irates people

His dimpled smile and witty humour won hearts and made him the king of Bollywood.

But looks like it will take some time before Shah Rukh Khan earned the same status on the small screen.

SRK’s remarks on Maharishi Balmiki on TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati has landed him in a fresh controversy. Activists of a religious group — Bhartiya Balmiki Dharam Samaj — on Wednesday burnt effigies of Khan and the director of Star Plus to show their resentment against the derogatory remarks.

The community described his comments as “derogatory” and claims that they have “hurt their religious sentiments.” The activists have even demanded a written apology from Khan and the channel, its president Hans Raj said.

Going by the Television Audience Measurement (TAM) ratings, a lot of people haven't liked SRK as a replacement to the previous show anchor — Bollwood star Amitabh Bachchan.

The TAM ratings showed a dip in viewership for the popular quiz show, suggesting that Shah Rukh Khan is perhaps not doing a good job on KBC3.

Shah Rukh, on his part, feels fairly pleased with his small-screen performance. "I think I am doing good and the reason I know that I am doing good is because I get to hear it from a lot of people. There are also a lot of figures and analysis that speak only good things," he says.

Shah Rukh's thoughts behind Karle Karle tu ek sawaal video

The KBC3 promotional music video “Karle Karle tu ek sawaal" directed, conceptualized, choreographed and sung by Ganesh Hegde projects the very charismatic Shahrukh Khan in a cool hip way. King Khan is happy with the way Hedge has choreographed the video. The album is releasing on the 10th of Feb 2007 on T-series.

Says Shahrukh Khan, “The thought behind the song is really nice…it encourages query and questions in a fun way, not like an exam. It says knowledge can be fun. First time Ganesh has lent his voice for playback and I think I am thankful he has done it with me. The conceptualization to present me in a different way was completely Ganesh's idea. Vishal Shekhar came up with the tune in a minute when they heard what Ganesh was planning. “karle karle…” has turned out to be an interesting mix of foot tapping way of encouraging the quest for knowledge.”

SRK has amazingly taken everything in his stride. He now seems unperturbed and accustomed to all sort of comparisons to Big B. Like people say, he has incorporated his own wit and style on the show (KBC).

Hats off to the undisputed ‘badshah of Bollywood’!

Shah Rukh sinking with KBC- Part 5

KBC Slipping, Shah Rukh needs a lifeline.....

FINALLY, THE eyeball verdict on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is out and audiences have given Shah Rukh Khan the thumbs down.

Tam Media data for the first four days of KBC3, which opened on January 22, showed a television viewership rating (TVR) of 12.33. Amitabh Bachchan had a bigger opening on KBC2 on August 5, 2005, with a TVR of 19.75.

It gets worse. After the initial curiosity about SRK’s performance, many viewers seem to have tuned out. On January 23, KBC3 notched a TVR of 10.44 and 7.36 the next day. The show recovered to an extent on Janu ary 25, hitting 9.24.

Compared to the diminishing numbers for SRK, the Big B’s audience grew with each passing day KBC1 opened . with a TVR of 10.59 on July 3, 2000, rising to 10.79 on July 4, 13.64 on July 5 and 14.32 on July 6. It peaked on October 19, 2000, with a huge TVR of 26.55.

Star has a defence. Paritosh Joshi, the network’s president (ad sales and distribution), said the number of persons ‘reached’ on SRK’s first day was 23 million compared to Bachchan’s 18 million. ‘Reach’ is defined as all those who saw the show for at least a minute. TVR, on the other hand, incorporates the number of persons who tuned in for the duration.

Does that mean less ‘stickiness’ for SRK?

An audience study by Optimum Media Solutions supports the view that people were not sticking with SRK. Only 44 per cent of respondents watched all three episodes of KBC3, 25 per cent watched only the first episode and 30 per cent watched two episodes. HT/3Feb

I dont want to hug you, Mr. Khan

A mind boggling totally Shah Rukh inclined article from Shobori Ganguli on how Amithabh Bachchan falls from grace after making some not so kind remarks to Shah Rukh Khan.

The article is piercing enough but however revolves around the premise of ‘what-would-happen-to-Big-B-without-KBC’ through out.

Jodir kotha nodi tey felun madam…now all must have realized how different the two actors are…can anyone dare to say to Amithabh ‘No…I own hug you, rather I will quit.’ That’s what the Haryanvi lady actually said to Shah Rukh on episode 8.

Shah Rukh’s strategically whitewashing people’s mind with ‘Jadu ka Jhappi’ syndrome actually losses its sheen there. Actually SRK wants to hijack the idea of hugging all and sundry from the original Jadu ka Jhappi dude Sanjay Dutt. He is certainly not copying Big B there….he is copying Sanju Baba. The way he tried to copy Aamir Khan by making Asoka after Lagaan and wants to sell deshprem in Swades...a original copycat..sheep...mehmehmehmeh

Why the Haryanvi lady, even Leeladhar from Rajasthan (episode 7) also was not comfortable hugging Shah Rukh. He also wished to quit when Shah Rukh asked him “wont you hug me?” Embarrassed Leeladhar then murmured, ‘Hug me Shah Rukh Bhai.’

Shobori Ganguly's article here:

Amitabh's fall from grace


The most thankless comment of the year: "KBC was becoming monotonous. I felt I was becoming mechanical. As an artiste, I needed to have the butterflies in my stomach - that had stopped." The most pompous comment of the year: "That's too little" (on Brand Bachchan being worth Rs 700 crore). Finally, the most graceless comment of the year: "I would like to see Shah Rukh Khan as an inspiration. I want to do better, make better films, so he can copy me." Coming from a man seen as the millennium's most humble living legend, these remarks betray a curious pomposity in Amitabh Bachchan, an unbecoming fall from grace. This is certainly not the man who once said, "I have never really been confident about my career at any stage."

Memory, they say, plays strange tricks with the human mind, but surely Bachchan's cannot be such a traitor. Time perhaps for a recap. In the year 2000, satellite television witnessed a phenomenal revolution when Star TV unleashed the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? on an audience whose entertainment bouquet had hitherto contained intellectually indifferent yet hugely popular family soaps. The step was bold but Star had little option. India's first celebrity game show Kaun Banega Crorepati went on air amid grave doubts. The odds were firmly stacked against the channel. A beleaguered Star TV was desperate to arrest its sagging fortunes. Since the Indian audience had never tasted a gameshow before, its reaction was completely unknown. With the risks enormous, no contemporary movie idol was willing to wager his or her fortunes on the small screen.

Treading uncertainly Star homed in on a jaded Amitabh Bachchan who could be occasionally seen frolicking around women half his age in films like Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan, essaying roles which served his age and image ill. Although a star of yesteryears, Amitabh in 2000 stood as a failed actor and businessman. The box office had clearly abandoned its one-time darling with Amitabh posting four flops in 1999. His fledgling company faced imminent death - ABCL was running a stupendous debt of over Rs 90 crore. With no big banners coming his way, Amitabh was desperately clutching at opportunities, not all of them very savoury. KBC was just one of those opportunities.

The show was first aired on July 3, 2000. That day marked a unique concert on Indian television. Star TV needed a break, Amitabh needed a lifeline and the Indian audience needed some novel excitement. With KBC television entertainment finally shed its mindlessness. The show was a smashing success and as the Big B returned night after night to millions of homes across the country, one knew that Indian television's, also cinema's, history was being rewritten. While Star Plus saw its TRP ratings soar to unexpected heights, the show also initiated the process of Amitabh's reinvention in Hindi cinema. The legend of Big B returned to the silver screen and the actor went on to bag some of the finest roles of his career in the next few years.

Clearly, another time, another channel, another actor, another audience may not have been able to create the magic KBC did then. Without Amitabh, KBC could have been an also-ran. Without Star TV, the Big B would not have found an opportunity to resuscitate his terminally ailing film career and business. And without an entertainment-starved audience neither the channel nor the host could have dreamt of raking in the moolah they subsequently did.

Seven years since, times and indeed Amitabh Bachchan have changed. Entertainment has undergone a dramatic makeover. Satellite television has become a gigantic entity, the competition for TRPs acute. As for Amitabh, things have never looked better in his career. He is once again a top draw in Hindi cinema. Having regained a firm foothold in Bollywood, he is giving his younger counterparts a serious run for their money. His son Abhishek too has overcome his jinx at the box office and tasted stardom. As for the Big B's wife Jaya, she is today an articulate Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.

Given the umbilical link between KBC and the Big B's new avatar, Bachchan's comments on the show, Shah Rukh Khan and his own net worth at the box office seem to lack the pleasing elegance that has hitherto defined the star. For one, had Star never approached the Big B for KBC, Amitabh would have been relegated to the annals of Bollywood, remembered as the "angry young man" who once set the screen on fire with his social messages but who was now prancing around with women as young as Shilpa Shetty in eminently tasteless films like Lal Baadshah. Pre-KBC, it was clear that the once cult figure was refusing to age with grace, caught as he was in the vicious trap of his yesteryear image that ill-matched his advancing years. Saddened by the trajectory, Big B's die-hard fans mourned the decline of an actor who once moved the masses and classes. Bachchan, it seemed, was unable to follow his own advice that, "we will age and age is not always flattering."

Then came KBC and Amitabh's immensely successful image makeover. Here, the Big B played his age, wore classic jackets, sported the now-trademark graying beard, looked comfortable in it, and created for the first time in Hindi cinema a niche for an older actor who could carry an entire film on his shoulder. Cinegoers simply fell in love with this reinvented Amitabh. Don was forgotten and Sexy Sam was warmly welcomed into the hearts of a whole new generation. Indeed, it was through KBC that Amitabh discovered the image that makes him one of the sexiest and most talented 60-plus actors in the world. Today, when he does a 'Kajra re' or a 'Rock 'n' Roll Soniye', the audience's eyes seldom travel to his co-stars. No more jeers about dancing with women his daughter's age.

Had Amitabh not touched the lives of millions of Indians through that television show seven years ago, where would Brand Bachchan be today? Unfortunately, Bachchan has chosen to write away the most successful chapter of his career as monotony. Despite a fan-following that far outpaces that of any other actor, he has chosen to speak about Shah Rukh Khan as "competition". Finally, despite knowing the emotional hold Hindi cinema has over the masses, he has chosen to tastelessly dwell on the "commercial" value of his star family. Indeed a sad commentary.

Valentine’s Day special: SRK & Karan Johar together

They are deepest of buddy and if one wonders why the duo not coming up with Indian version of Brokeback Mountain, let me tell you some stuff are not widely accepted in India. However, what Karan Johar will accept (or vice versa) is Shah Rukh Khan's invitation to....errr...KBC that is. Read on...

We all know that Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are good friends and when Karan invited Shah Rukh to be the guest on his show Koffee with Karan, Shah Rukh decided to return the favor by inviting Karan to be the first celebrity contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Karan Johar will be playing the game along with their common friend, Farah Khan. This episode will be shot today and it is reportedly going to be telecasted on February 11 as a Friendship special episode.

Karan Johar says that he is not prepared for it and will just go on the sets and play. This will be the first time that Karan will appear onKBC as participant. Last time he was seen among the audience supporting his friend Shah Rukh when King Khan participated as a contestant on the same show which was then hosted by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.

Besides, Karan and Farah, the other celebs who will be appearing on KBC include Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar for Brother-Sister special and Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan for Valentine’s Day special.

Shah Rukh sinking with KBC- Part 4

Although most of the Indian TV media is praising Shahrukh as a new host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (of Star Plus) the truth is that the actor has flopped miserably. At his first show on 23rd January, 2007 most of the people found him very awkward and ordinary.

People were also found disgusted with most of the TV media calling Shahrukh as King Khan and declaring his first appearance as 'very successful'. Audience really missed Big B - Amitabh Bachchan - saying 'Shahrukh is no match for magnetic Big B'.

One Rakesh Chaudharay of Rohini said frustratingly that after listening to false media reports he wanted to hit the TV screen of his television. He asked surprisingly if the media could afford to lose the faith of the people by such false publicity. He doubted the reporting might have been funded.

Most of the time Shahrukh tried to copy great Amitabh Bachchan in the show but looked like a child. He was unable to bring his own unique style. The guy is really hard-working and he practised a lot before actually starting for the show. But his screen presence and acting was unable to cop with the expectations the media had already generated.

Comparing Amitabh's acting to Shahrukh is certainly ridiculous. It is universally accepted that Shahrukh is no match for Amitabh in acting. Therefore, trying to pit one against another and proving that Shahrukh was somewhat better than Amitabh is definitely harmful for the image of the TV media. Anju Wadhwa of Vikaspuri said that she did not expect bunch of lies at least from NDTV.

People of modern world are much educated and awakened. They can understand what is 'yellow journalism' and what may be the 'bought reporting'.

My prediction after watching the first show is now proving right. In coming weeks TRP rating will come down further.

SRK's charm diminishing: OMS research

After quite a grand impact on viewers at the opening, with a rating of 5.3, the third season of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ seems to be losing its charm. OMS and Hansa Research have come up with the answer to the question that was on everyone’s lips.

According to the study, 25 per cent of the viewers of the first episode dropped off in the following episodes. Of all the viewers, only 44 per cent watched all three episodes of ‘KBC 3’. While 25 per cent watched only the first episode, 30 per cent watched two episodes.

According to aMap ratings (C&S, 4+, north, west and east India), the rating on the second airing of the show was 4.8, which further slipped to 3.5 on the third day. The detailed analysis on the falling viewership trend for the game show suggests that, from among those who watched the first episode and missed out on the next two, 40 per cent were of the opinion that ‘KBC’ was not the same without Amitabh Bachchan, while a majority of 60 per cent had other reasons.

Of those who missed the third episode, 42 per cent cited the India-West Indies match as their reason for missing it; only 3 per cent people said they had better programmes to watch in that time slot.

SRK’s charm and wit ruled television on the first day, but a majority of the viewers seemed to miss former host Amitabh Bachchan. What the ratings also substantiate is the viewers’ love for cricket, irrespective of India's not-so-impressive performance. Source agencyfaqs

Shah Rukh Khan sinking with KBC- Part 3

Hmm...It seems that ever humble Amithabh has also made up his mind (or been advised to do so, whatever) and has not uttered very kind Amithabish words for KBC3. Disintersted Big B says he gets bored and tired of KBC3. (possibly the diminishing TRP ratings also reinforced him to come out with thoughts like this in public) Why Amithab thinks KBC3 is boring and monotonous? Read here

Hmmm....


Shahrukh sinking with KBC3????? Can he withstand the heat now? Let's see....

Big B: I'm tired and bored of KBC now

Boring!!! Did he say? Yes, you have heard that right.

Obviously Shah Rukh’s intention of cashing in on Big B’s success route, be it remaking Don, wanting to remake Deewar, bagging the endorsement contractsfor products earlier done by Amithabh Bachchan like Dabur, Navratna, ICICI, actually makes the once angry young man, Amithabh Bachchan too much irritated. For, the always humble (a bit too much sometimes) Amithabh would not given this sound bite to the media. That
"I was getting tired and bored of KBC." Big B told CNN-IBN on Sunday.
Shah Rukh’s naayia seems like not sailing smooth as the TRP started dropping from the very second day, after the initial euphoria oozes off.
Amithabh’s remark most possibly would reinforce the perception that KBC is not in-thing any more. That ever humble Amithabh Bachchan is not saying kind words to the show may make lot of people disinterested.

By all accounts, it doesn't look as if the Big B is going to give full marks to SRK. He also testifies the fact that there indeed lie some rivalry between him and Shah Rukh Khan.

Television ratings show SRK's KBC witnessed a decline in the very first four days of the show. TV rating agency aMap's data showed King Khan's KBC started off on a steady note, but then showed signs of slipping barely three days into the week.
The show witnessed a steady decline from episode on episode. While the show initially got off to a good start with a 5.3 television rating (TVR), almost doubling its channel share in the 9 - 10 pm slot, the second episode saw the show plummet to 4.8 TVR. The third day saw a still steeper decline in ratings, with the show garnering only 3.5 TVR.

Shah Rukh Khan awaiting Amithabh’s response on KBC3

Amithabh has not able to watch KBC Tritya…He is busy no doubt, Big B is possibly ready to surprise all his audience worldwide by ‘Nishabd,’ where the he falls in love with a 17 year young girl played by Jiah Khan. Surely Big B is busy with all other production and Abhiash (Abhiash=Abhishek+Aishwarya) marriage plans.

The king khan Shah Rukh however, is eagerly waiting to get a comment from Amithabh for the KBC-III show. He told NDTV, ““I have still not received any message from Bachchan saab. But, I wish he sees it and gives his reaction on how I am carrying on the show started by him.”

He said he was encouraged by the positive response he was getting to KBC from his family and friends in the film industry.

“My children like my addressing the contestants as 'boys and girls' during the introductions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan, who was in Delhi on Saturday, told NDTV that he was unable to watch KBC 3 due to unavoidable reasons.

He promised that he would watch the programme soon and send his opinion to SRK.

“I’m sorry Shah Rukh, but I will watch it soon and then we will sit and talk,” Amitabh told the channel.

KBC and Kofee with Karan in NDTV?

The buzz is that KBC and Kofee with Karan are heading for NDTV. No wonder, when the key guys are taking shelter (for the latecomers, Karan Johar, the host of Kofee with Karan and Sameer Nair, CEO of Star Entertainment will be a part of NDTV's new chaneel on entertainment) in the Pronoy Roy floated channel, how can be their babies take nap in Star's perambulator?

An IAN report here,

The buzz is that STAR’s two new high profile shows "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) and "Koffee With Karan" will follow their mentors Samir Nair and Karan Johar respectively into NDTV’s soon-to-be-launched entertainment channel.

But Johar dismisses the strong rumours doing the rounds.

"How can that be? My relationship with STAR during the first season of ‘Koffee...’ has been fantastic. At the same time my association with NDTV is my future on television. Let’s see how it goes. I don’t want to jump the gun and make plans for the future. ‘Koffee With Karan’ is a STAR brand-show," said Johar, who is currently in Dubai promoting his chat show.


As for Nair’s move to join NDTV, Johar said: "Prannoy Roy, who’s the man behind NDTV, is a great visionary. I’m proud to be part of NDTV. As for Nair, he’s a tremendously intelligent man. He has proven himself time and again in the world of television. And I’m sure he’ll be a winner in whatever he does."

Fatigued, he brightened as he watched his closest friend Shah Rukh Khan on KBC 3.

"I haven’t been on the set to watch him shoot. But I did his clothes on KBC. I just hope my ‘Koffee...’ matches up to the high standards set by Shah Rukh. We’ve put in our best. This time around I’m far more relaxed with the format. I’m hoping I’m less worried with my guests. I’m no longer a debutant."

Johar sees 2007 as one of his busiest years.

"Not just busy but also a very different year. Because television gets priority."

Does he like his new role as a TV tycoon?

"Television is the future. Anyone in the visual media is advised to take the plunge. I’m happy to have my talk show on one channel and the privilege of making software for another channel.

"I was lucky to get the opportunity to get into TV ahead of my colleagues. And that NDTV, a channel I really respect, considered me good enough for their entertainment channel, is really flattering for me. Because at the end of the day, I’m not a TV person. I’m a filmmaker."

He singled out Shah Rukh as the pioneer on television.

"Even before he became a superstar in the movies he was a well-known name on television. So, he’s come full circle. Shah Rukh is an entertainer and a warm, emotional human being. That combination will succeed tremendously in KBC.

"I’ve seen how he interacts with all his loyal fans. Shah Rukh is very confident on television. As for me, I want to entertain on both television and in cinema. I’m full of ideas."

Would he make feature films for television?

"Whatever they want me to do on NDTV I’ll do for them. But telefilms? No! I don’t think so. The two mediums are totally exclusive. Television is for talk shows, game shows and etc. I’ll make feature films only for the big screen. I’ll make software for NDTV. With Shah Rukh doing television that sense of television being cinema’s poor cousin is gone.

"If you ask me, my brand value has tripled after my talk show on television. More people want to see my films because they see me on television. It’s a communication medium of instant gratification. I love it.

"But cinema is my first love. I’ve enough time to take care of both mediums. As a filmmaker, I’ve my own directorial venture this year. Then there’s my associate Tarun Mansukhani’s film and an animation film."

Johar always wants to be on the move.

"I’ve learnt one thing from my father. Never put your feet up. How can they be up? They should always be on the ground for walking. There’s always time to do more."

Shah Rukh sinking with KBC- Part 2

Here is an interesting article on Shahrukh Khan's whole KBC experience and you can also read it on the IBN Website.

New Delhi: If Shah Rukh Khan's romance on television or his un-masterly gestures of giving body massages to contestants left you puzzled as to what hesrk_kbc_248.jpg was up to, King Khan has a clear answer to this. "I am trying to make it ( Kaun Banega Crorepati ) more light-hearted," he would tell you.

King Khan knows too well that, given his chatty image and his propensity (or should we call it penchant) for glib, he can ill-afford the pregnant pauses of Big B, which had brought in an aura of awe and academic gravity to the show.

So, SRK wants to capitalise on his own assets and bring in a transition there even though he has tried to ape Big B endlessly in every other aspect – from his efforts to build suspense after a question is answered, to the way he interacts with the contestants and their companions, to the way he carries out the ‘fastest finger fast’ part and so on and so forth.

For a moment, it gives a feeling as if the producers are more interested in SRK’s presence on the show rather than his performance. Or else, why would someone try to pack new wine in old bottles.

"We are trying to make it more light-hearted, more approachable so that it would be a fun for everyone to watch," SRK now says. So, in his effort to be friendly, SRK won't mind giving body massages, romancing with young contestants and even dropping a naughty hint here or another there.

It is all right in modern television till the time purists cry foul, saying the show may have lost focus of the numerous young audience that it once boasted of.

Now, if that is one of the reasons why TRP ratings showed a decline for KBC III from 5.3 to 3.5 in the first four days since its debut on Monday, Star Plus is yet to find out.

But the decline is real. Quoting aMap data, Economic Times reported on Friday that Star Plus’ big gamble Kaun Banega Crorepati with King Khan started off on a steady note, but has since shown signs of slipping barely three days into the week.

In fact, aMap data showed KBC III has witnessed a steady decline from episode on episode. While the show initially got off to a good start with a 5.3 television rating (TVR), almost doubling its channel share in the 9 - 10 pm slot, the second episode saw the show plummet to 4.8 TVR. The third day saw a still steeper decline in ratings, with the show garnering only 3.5 TVR.

Star has rubbished these figures though. "We do not subscribe to aMap ratings, and will wait for the TAM ratings to judge the performance of the show," a Star spokesperson told the newspaper.

King Khan also says he is happy with the response to the show. "I am very happy. Everyone has worked hard on the show. The show has achieved 50-60 per cent of its target and would make more progress in the days to come," he claims.

Khan is also excited about his TV romance. "One lady has approached me while another has said that she does not like me," he says about the "exciting responses" that he is getting from the participants in the show.

Shah Rukh sinking with KBC- Part 1

While Star Plus’ big gamble - Kaun Banega Crorepati with King Khan, started off on a steady note, it has shown signs of slipping barely three days into the week.

According to aMap data, the overnight TV rating panel, KBC III, which debuted on Monday has witnessed a steady decline episode on episode. While the show initially got off with a 5.3 television rating (TVR) start, almost doubling its channel share in the 9 - 10 pm slot, the second episode saw the show slip to 4.8 TVR. What is interesting the third day, witnessed a steeper decline of ratings, the show garnering only 3.5 TVR. “We do not subscribe to aMap ratings, and will wait for the TAM ratings to judge the performance of the show,” a Star spokesperson said.

The slot share which accelerated from 12.4 to 24.2 on Monday has come down to 15.4 on Wednesday. However, Zee TV, which is supposed to have supremacy over the 9 - 10 pm slot also didn’t gain by KBC’s loss. In fact, Zee also suffered with its 9 - 10 pm slot moving from 2.8 TVR on Monday to 2.4 TVR on Tuesday and down to 2 TVR on Wednesday.

Media planners attribute the Wednesday decline in ratings to cricket, which is where eye-balls must have flocked during 9 - 10 pm, as the match took some sharp turns then. However, Tuesday’s dip in ratings still seem have no rationale. According to Group M national director, central trading group, Lakshmi Narasimhan, “The ratings dip indicates that the additional audiences that came on to the time band to sample, are dropping off. These viewers are essentially light TV watchers and are normally difficult to reach.”

Another point in note was made by Starcom South Asia CEO Ravi Kiran: “The fact that there is nothing new in format, coupled with the fact that Shah Rukh Khan is still uncomfortable and Star seems to be counting on his presence rather than his performance. For ratings to spruce up, the show formats need to be fiddled with and SRK needs to be in his acting avatar.”

The novelty of KBC per se seems to have got diluted according to media professionals and with the wide range of emerging entertainment options coupled with the fact that TV viewing also coming down, holding audience attention is a lot more challenging task.

The first week of KBC has traditionally had the most impact in terms of reach and ratings, and hence if the show does not manage to sustain it in the first week, the road ahead is going be quite rough.

Also, given the fact that cricket which had made a comeback, will be strong counter for KBC at all points, and the given format may not be able to withstand such competition.

On the other hand, day three of KBC which clocked a 3.5 rating is still higher that what the 9 - 10 pm slot was garnering pre- KBC which stood at 2.75. So, to say that the channel has not gained would be unfair. Zee’s rating for the slot have also dropped, so clearly audiences have moved, but there does not seem to enough stickiness to ensure larger sampling of the show.

Shahrukh King Khan fooled by lambuji !!!

Ahh...dont get me wrong guys...to find out what the mystrey is all about you have to download this pre-KBC3 video (download video clip from here) where our n everyone's respectful lambuji makes a complete full out of kkkk King Khan....

what???me crooked??? hahahahaha....malooom...this is pure fun....aaay...haan...

Download KBC3 music video clip- full hip hop version

Download full three minute video clip from KBC3 here, "Kar le kar le tu aek sawal".

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is going to host STAR Plus' popular quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC), is also featuring in a music video exclusively made for the show - his first such venture.

For the video, he has joined hands with singer-choreographer Ganesh Hegde who is presenting him in a completely new avatar. The two had earlier worked together for "Don".

"Shah Rukh has got a completely new, young look in the film. He will be seen donning a hip-hop look and the clothes are also designed to suit the mood of the video. The song is a fusion of hip-hop and Indian music," Hegde told IANS.

"We have put four huge, lavish and expensive sets in Mumbai. Even now I am shooting for it. We started shooting on Jan 10 and will wrap it up by tomorrow. After that we will do the post-production work," he added.

As far as Shah Rukh's clothes are concerned, Hegde said: "I shared my thoughts with (filmmaker) Karan Johar. He has done the styling accordingly."

The music video will be unveiled Jan 22 just before the quiz show goes on the air. STAR Plus is, however, going to 10-15-second-long show teasers of the music video before it actually premieres.

"It was SRK's idea to come up with a music video for KBC. He then shared the idea with his team," said a STAR Plus source.

The music video is conceptualised, choreographed, directed and sung by Hegde. Music is by Vishal-Shekhar while Shabbir, R.D. Telang, Kumar and Asif Baig have penned the lyrics.

KBC3 Download video clip: Shahrukh Khan angry over loosing his cap

Before the shoot of SRK's KBC3. An amazing video (download tape/clip) where Shahrukh Khan’s cap has been snatched by a tall navy blue tracksuit guy. Watch in the video how the guy moved from left to right, positioned himself just on the way of King Khan and simply fetched the cap. Sharukh was trying hard to keep his cap intact on his head but alas could not... The blue tracksuit guy when probed by security guards released it on ground. The king khan actually by HIMSELF received the cap from the ground and boarded the cab before meekly waving hands towards the junta.

Shahrukh’s hairstyle was pathetic, seems like not being shampooed and conditioned for ages. He also exchanged some words with the guy...

Just watch this fun SRK Shahrukh Khan pre KBC3 video clip, find out how easily he is being beaten by the lambuji...err...not Big B...stupid...navy blue tracksuit guy, that is...

Big B Amithabh's repsonse on SRK's KBC3

As the new season of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ or KBC takes off with Shahrukh Khan taking over from the indomitable Amitabh Bachchan as anchor of the show, comparisons are inevitable. But the ‘Big B’ himself, refuses to take the bait.

KBC, back in a brand new avatar with a brand new quiz master, seems to be looking for a brand new image as well. But all the hype around Shahrukh seems to be lost on the man whom he has replaced. Amitabh Bachchan's first reaction was this disinterested comment:

“I haven’t connected to it, because I haven’t seen (the programme) yet.”

Amitabh Bachchan might have little interest in the fate of the new show, but that has not stopped the producers of KBC from trying out every trick in the book to reinvent a show haunted by the ghosts of last season when the formidable Big B over shadowed all.

Adman Prahlad Kakkar opines, “The new KBC is much more informal, it's much more in connect. There was a sense of reserve and tremendous sense of awe that Mr Bachchan invoked. Shahrukh invokes an equal sense of connect and being one with the contestants.”


Truly, gone is the straight jacketed larger than life father figure – replaced by the irreverent, relaxed and approachable Shahrukh. If Amitabh with his impeccable Hindi had the audience mesmerized, then Shahrukh in complete Bollywood style set the tone right in the first episode itself – even if it meant having a little fun at Big B’s expense! Khan briefly parodied Bachchan’s ornate style of delivery and concluding with a layman’s “Samjhe?” (Got it?)

Another departure from the old, is the conscious effort being made to rope in young viewership. The famous “lock kiya jaye” phrase has been replaced with “freeze kar do”, while “computerji” has been rechristened “Compaq-da”.

While Shahrukh plays on his charm for all its worth, one cannot also miss the nervous energy. And for those still hung up on the Bachchan baritone – you can catch him in the ad breaks as Bachchan’s brand Cadbury happens to be one of KBC'S chief sponsors!

KBC3 lifted Star Plus' overall rating

Shahrukh Khan seems to have cast magic on the ratings as he played host for the first time in the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, replacing megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Putting all anxiety to rest for the broadcaster Star Plus, KBC 3 opened with a market share of 24.36 per cent in the Hindi speaking segment of NWE (north, west, east) India, according to aMap's overnight TV rating system.
In comparison to the previous Mondays of 2007, iin which Star Plus garnered 12.4 per cent, this is not only a much larger share but almost double of the average ratings.

The actual number of viewers that were reached by KBC 3 in NWE India is 9.16 million. On an All India Level 10.29 million people were reached. And with Tamil general entertainment channel Star Vijay also adding up the audiences, 11.3 million people were reached on an All India level.

aMap highlighted a key trend of the programme on its opening day that indicates that 'King Khan' managed to retain the viewers after every break taken. The ratings kept on increasing after each break, and the last sequence got the highest ratings.

The show managed a jump of 91.5 per cent for the ratings per cent of Star Plus and almost all Star channels and genres got impacted due to the show.

In fact, 1.3 million people switched on their TV sets just to watch KBC, in NWE India. In terms of SEC, SEC A and B got higher numbers than the others. The ratings show that the more affluent target groups watched a lot more of KBC. Target groups like graduates, businessmen, self-employed professionals got the highest numbers.

Additionally, people living in small households, four and below, got more ratings than people staying in households with five more people.

Also, among the 20 brands that advertised on the show, Motorola's Motophone advertisment was rated the highest.

Analysts are, however, cautious, saying that the ratings have to be watched over a longer period to arrive at any conclusions.

SRK went to Big B’s residence to meet him after KBC shooting

The news of cold vibes between the King Khan and Big B must have worried the pompous Shah Rukh Khan to the extreme. So much so that, after done with the day’s shooting Shahrukh directly landed up at Sr. Bachchan’s residence. Very surprising, isn’t it. Amithabh was then getting ready for one of the film shootings. Two met and shared mutually honoring words for each other.

The only hitch of the conversation moment arrived when some inquisitive and twisted, demented guy asked Khan, within the earshot of Bachchan, whether the King Khan thinks now he is matching up to the Big B on the show.

Analysis of Sharukh's first day of KBC3 and more

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, Shah Rukh 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 writes ibnlive. 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.

KBC3 First Day - Responses

Tauseef Writes

Just think, What if Shahrukh had did KBC first and MR.Bachchan coming next...
1)what reviews we would have for Mr.Bachchan after the first episode
2)is we were drawing the comparison between him and shahrukh

KBC became hit first time because it entered the homes of millions with a new concept and it was being launched by Mr.Bachchan who did the job of anchoring outstandingly. Mr.Bachchan had all the with him. a) a new show, b) a new concept c)crore prize money (may be first time on tv) d)might some other which I'm missing

Now, Mr khan is delivering the same package about which the viewers knows in advance much - that means Mr.khan is running out of new phenemenon and new touch. he's being groomed to give his best for a thing which had already been started and then ended. Well, if sequeal like dhoom2, krish, etc, etc can become a hit, I'm sure kbc2 may also.....lets wait.-


Anuj Writes

SRK is pathetic on KBC... couldnt hold the viewers longer than the 1st comml. break. AB is genuinely humble as a person though he's God for his fans... it reflected when he interacted with the common man. SRK??? Well, overall, his jokes, his presentation was for an average teeny bopper types!-

Ranjeet Agarwal says not musch impressive


SRK looked nervous as ket adjusting his tie knot... somewhere in the middle he losy cue and looked at the screen and made a mess of the dig on Big B. Compared to him Big B is more refined - beats him hollow in gentlemanliness and clear thinking and speech. Big B's eyes shows the compassion for the fellow contestant. This is just an average actor who is trying to remember his lines.- Abhijit Gupta says its Not as magical

Prabhat Kumar Verma




I think shahruk was very nervous during the show and he did't fulfill the expectations.-



amit mathur

The start reminded of Govinda\'s Chappar Phad Ke. But Shah Rukh has class and he will improve in the coming episodes. He should not try to copy AB and he will be fine. The audiences love him for being SRK and not because he is better or less than AB.-- The settings were perfect, but SRK is no match over AB , his street smart antiques are actually making this show a cheap version of Amitabh's KBC .SRK is not natural and is merely acting , all his actions are clearly preplanned and not natural as in case fo AB

A B writes


AMitabh is god, and the impression, charisma, intellect, and control over both languages simply cant be replaced. ShahRukh brings Kacha Paka to the show, which just shows the intellectual bankruptcy that the new generation is facing, and therefore are accepting such cheap and nervous innuendos used by the KING KHAN.

Nevertheless, KING KHAN was not dissapointing, and in the coming couple of episodes he will improve and make his mark.

But We need to see more intelluctial sanity, as the young kids will adapt to what is portrayed on the Screen.--

Anonymous writes

People always compare, its happening since the civilization begins, its human nature. I think lets stop comparing SRK with Big B and simply judge SRK on his performance. I was IMPRESSED by his role as a host. Someyimes I found his smile plastic but he did a good job overall. The one liners in his speech were good and I think he will improve as he goes on with KBC this season.--

KBC2 was more costly for advertiser

Here's another game that many have been looking forward to is KBC 3. Or shall we say the King Khan vs the Big B?

First KBC3 show went air on Monday, Shah Rukh Khan went into the Big B's shoes.

And there is no let up on the comparisons between the two mega-stars in their quizmaster avataars.

With Amitabh Bachchan as its host, popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) amassed TRPs with élan and established Star as the market leader in entertainment television.

So other than energy and effervescence what does brand SRK bring into KBC?

A 10 second advertisement slot was priced at Rs 4.2 lakhs during Amitabh's era but it is priced at Rs 3 lakhs as SRK gears up to take over from Big B.

So what happened to the indisputable King of the advertising arena?

The very association of King Khan with KBC has brought in Videocon and Compaq, companies for which he is the star endorser.

And the latest to join the sponsors' bandwagon for KBC, in its third season are Pantaloon Retail, Godrej Sara Lee, UTI Mutual Fund, Jyothi Labs and the UB group.

Add to this repeat sponsors from KBC 2, namely, Airtel, Hyundai and Cadbury.

So even before the new-age Don dons the role of the quizmaster Shah Rukh Khan's KBC 3 is estimated to be worth close to Rs 100-130 crore and a figure that by-far surpasses Big B's KBC.

Shah Rukh Khan is definitely the Shahenshah when it comes to pulling the big brands. But will the King Khan match the charismatic baritone of Big B?

Well, only TRPs can decide.

Via

From Big B's Sure? Confident? 2 SRK's Kachcha-kachcha ya pukka-pukka?”

HT-It is not Computerji any longer, but Computerda if the contestant is Bengali, or Computer Garu if he is from Andhra Pradesh. The quizmaster does not say, “Lock kar diya jaye” but “Freeze kar do.” Instead of “Sure? Confident?” he says, “Kachcha-kachcha ya pukka-pukka?” Amitabh Bachchan is no longer the iconic host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Shah Rukh Khan has taken over the hot seat.

While King Khan may lack the gravitas of Amitabh Bachchan, he brings to the show his own brand of youthful charm and self-deprecating humour which Star Plus hopes will attract a new generation of viewers. There are some Bachchanesque moments — Shah Rukh rubs his hands just as the Big B used to — but he also has his own special little touches, such as giving a nervous contestant an impromptu calming neck massage.

Rival channels are guarded about the propects of Shah Rukh pulling off a class act like the Big B. Says Ashish Kaul, senior vice-president, Zee TV, “I think people will watch the show initially out of curiosity. But I don’t think it will be the grand success it was when Amitabh anchored it. Let’s face it, Amitabh is in a different category altogether.”

Equally predictably, Star Plus is very upbeat. Outgoing Star COO Sameer Nair, who watched the programme with Shah Rukh and the entire KBC crew at Mumbai’s Hotel Land’s End, said, “The reaction we’ve got from everywhere has been mind-blowing. SRK rocks! I think he has genuinely taken the torch forward.”

In the final analysis, what matters are the ratings. With Star Plus in a decline, a great deal rides on Shah Rukh Khan in KBC.

SRK worried, tense, nervous

King Khan unlike in his main-hoon-na-I-am-the-best-I-am-the-best mood with this interview. A bit tense, possibly worried about the furture of the show, KBC3, whose ad space is reportedly being sold for less rates than KBC2. Advertisers got away with bulk discount, may be the uncomfort is showing on King Khan distinctly. Star Plus Group CEO, Peter Mukerjea and CEO, Star Plus Entertainment, Sameer Nair both have resigned from the channel on account of their poor performance. Will KBC3 make it to the hit list? Only time will tell......

For the time being read on SRK's inetrview where he is at his modest best. I just can not believe this, SRK only took up KBC3 after his children aproved of it. Did he ask his children's permission before doing Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. (KANK)


The INTERVIEW WITH SRK

King Khan’s life has come full circle — after Fauji and Circus, and big screen blockbusters in between — Shah Rukh Khan’s back on TV with a reality show, but says his nerves aren’t any steelier...


So, you nervous, confident or over confident?

• I am anxious. I’m always anxious. You people all think I am pompous but that’s a just a front for me. Inside, I’m anxious. For me it’s the creative process. You create something in isolation — alone with your thoughts in the moment — and when it is exposed, there is a huge explosion of public opinion. It’s like painting. You work in solitude and then you exhibit it. In the film industry, I am sure, I know. I know where I’m headed and whether it’s in the right direction. Here, I don’t know.

Are you coping with the obvious comparisons?

• There has been hype, pressure, comparisons with this other gentleman that I am not comfortable talking about. Because all this negative and positive carries to the children, and I’m wary about that. However what really hurts me are the SMSes.
SMSes?

• That newspapers carry in reader’s polls? When a Geetika from Bhayander says ‘SRK sucks’ that really hurts me. I read them all. The good and the bad. It’s like a pimple on the face. You don’t notice the rest of the face, but the pimple you notice. I remember the nasty ones. Some are very rude.

You and Gauri work hard to shield the kids from your public persona?

• Yes. Before I took up this offer, I went to my kids, because they are very fond of Mr Bachchan, the few times they have interacted with him that is. They said “You can do it if Crorepati uncle is not doing it.” Only then I took it up.
My kids have sensed that I am anxious. So they are doing something they have never done before — they drop by the sets and linger around, when I’m doing my make up, sometimes all day. They’ve never done that on my movie sets in all these years. I think children are the first to sense these things. Mine feel they need to be there for me this time.

Do you practice questions on your children?

• Yes, I do. But we always play a card game called ‘It’s cool to be smart’ which is fun for all ages. When the media reports that ‘The stars were spotted in revelry at SRK’s house’ what is really happening is that my friends and I — Farhan (Akhtar), Karan (Johar), Kajal (not the actor, another one), Farah (Khan), Gauri (Khan) are generally laughing at ourselves (no alcohol you know) — and playing this and ‘Trivial Pursuit’ till 4 am.
The kids are up till 4 am too?

• Well, actually it gets irritating when they join in because we are trying to play competitively and you can’t play to win when kids get in. I invite their friends over and we play few rounds together — and I make them all double crorepatis!
Is there any truth to ‘SRK vs Mr Bachchan’?

• See, no matter what I say nobody believes me. He’s an accomplished gentleman who’s 64, and I am where I am, and at the stage where I am the comparison is not fair to him at all.

But is there awkwardness? Are you two on speaking terms?

• Arre yaar, this is all because of that article that weekly news magazine carried. What’s that woman’s name? I’ll slap her when I see her next. I have been in this industry for 10 years now and I have never been thwarted yet. I may be anxious but I will never be thwarted. But nobody believes me.
You are doing Bhootnath with Big B? There were rumours of discontent on the sets too...

• See, I’m only doing a guest appearance on Bhoothnath because it’s a film being made by my AD (Assistant Director) whom I’ve worked with for many years. Also, as in any film, you look at who else is in the film, and you would want to work in a film that has the right star cast.

Is TV a break from the rigours of films, considering the health issues you’ve had?

• No, I’m not taking a break. I did get hurt while shooting for Chak de... but I’m fine now. I’m doing so much more at this point—I’ve never danced in a music video before and I’ve done one with Ganesh Hegde, and am preparing for my home production Om Shanti Om, so there’s no break at all. I’m healthy and wealthy and wise....
Wise we’ll have to see no?

• (laughs) Yes. We’ll see, but I’m definitely not the ‘early to bed and early to rise’ kind... just healthy and wealthy

KBC3 TV promo ad video 4

Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom.......B L A S T.

Sharukh gets ready for the real show, he is warming up, call it kind of foreplay..heyheye...he is like the conductor if the orchestra...with a missing musical stick...he knocks at ur door, he formally announcing that he would be coming to host the KBC3 from January 22.

Kaun Banega Crorepati 3, KBC3 TV ad, video, promo 4 here.

KBC3 promo, TV ad video

Watch or download Shah Rukh video where the King Khan in his unmistakable way speaks about pros and cons about asking question and almost goes near to make people achieve nirvana.

Watch the KBC3 Kaun Banega Crorepati TV promo video here.

Lenovo changed to Compaq

Sharukh's Mr. Computer will be Mr. Compaq and not Mr. Lenovo. After all Sharukh being the brand ambassador of Compaq can not promote Lenovo. Compaq has paid close to 4 crores for the deal.

Must say a compact investment

Computerji becomes Mr. Computer, Lock Kiya Jaye will be Freeze It

After all Shah Rukh Khan more than the interiors of India is hero of multiplexes and NRIs. He also symbolises today's youth. No wonder Shah Rukh will be advised to utter ungrezi words in staed of pan India hero Amithabh's Lock Kiya Jaye or Computer Ji. Sharukh in his effervscent and uniqly way will ask "Mr. Computer" to Freeze It."

Cool.

First contestant of KBC3 and Shah Rukh Khan

Prasenjit Sarkar was the first contestant of the new season of KBC which is hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. Interestingly, Prasenjit was also the last contestant of KBC 2 which was hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

Talking about his appearance on the show, Sarkar says that “I was the last contestant on KBC 2 which was hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. As the season ended, the show had to stop and my game was left half way. I had finished answering seven questions then.”

Then how did he enter the new show? Prasenjit happily replies, “When Star planned to start the new season, they called me back again to continue my game and that’s how I went back to the hot seat.”

The new KBC is being talked about everywhere since Shah Rukh is the new host of the show. So how was the experience of playing the game with SRK? “It was great to play the game with Shah Rukh Khan. His energy level and enthusiasm was excellent. He kept everyone entertained.” Since, Prasenjit has played the game with both Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who does he think is better? “I don’t think I can make that kind of comparison. Both Amitabhji and Shah Rukh are great stars and they have their own special style.”
More here

King Khan Shahrukh damn busy preapring for KBC-3

Just before Kaun Banega Crorepati goe son air, KBC3 rehersal rolls, Shah Rukh Khan is damn busy with prepartions, the perfectionaist that he is in nature, he sets all his concetration on becoming the no. 1 persona of the country.

The actor, who will take home a huge pay packet for hosting the gameshow (is believed to be much higher than the Big B), has had the KBC sets erected at his home to practise.

Whether he can fill Amitabh Bachchan's shoes is anybody's guess.

Kaun Banega Crorepati, KBC-3 will start on January 22 at 9 pm, Monday to Thursday on Star Plus. Keep your eye on the TV set when the program is on and later here on this blg, for all the updates, preidctions and lotz more.

The clash of the crorepatis

That money-spinning quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back on Star Plus — and this time, with the inimitable Shah Rukh Khan. For players of the small screen, the KBC comeback begs the question — will the show’s ratings hit the roof again? Playing it cool: While KBC-3 is all set to air on January 22 (the show will be screened from Monday to Thursday from 9 to 10 pm) rival channels such as Sony, ZEE and Sa hara One are claiming to be unperturbed by its return. Says Ashish Kaul, VP Zee networks, “Now, KBC3 is like any other show, it holds no surprises.” No drama: Sandiip Sikcand, chief creative director, Sony sees KBC3 as just another show with a big name, “Celebrities or money is no big deal for the small screen anymore.” From a programming point of view KBC-3, being a non-fiction show poses no threat to current fiction programmes running on prime time. TV channels think that the ‘housewife’ is more captivated by the exciting life of a fictional protagonist than a static quiz show. Raking it in: But Star TV claims to be on an upswing. According to Paritosh Joshi of Star TV all adver , tising spots have been sold out, raking in over Rs 130 crore. Well, the final verdict is up to the viewers. We can only wait and watch! Other prime-time contenders Zee TV: Kassam Se at 9 pm and Saat Phere at 9.30 pm Sony: Ek Ladki Anjani Si at 9 pm and Thodi Khushi Thoda Gham at 9.30 pm Sahara: Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki… at 9 pm and Kittu Sab Janti at 9.30 pm.

SRK Attracts big brands for game show KBC-3

He’s not called King Khan for n o t h i n g . King SRK’s entry as the host of a popular game show KBC-3 has some of the country’s top brands jostling for adspace. We hear that brands are fighting each other to sponsor this one. And the fracas is only getting worse. Well, the ‘game show’ behind the scenes sure seems to be an entertaining one. It ‘ads’ to the fun. Let’s hope the real one is fun, too!

SRK in Madame Tussauds

Bollywood King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan will be soon adding another feather in his cap with finding place in the London's Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Shah Rukh Khan follows Big B footsteps with the remake of the Don, followed by Kaun Banega Crorepati and now with the London's Madame Tussauds wax celebrities.

Earlier Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were the only Bollywood actors who are part of Madame Tussauds.

SRK's wax statue will be unveiled in March and actor is expected to be present on the occasion.

From BIg B to King Khan, the bong connection

Who is the only link between Amitabh Bachchan’s KBC and Shah Rukh Khan’s KBC? A Calcuttan in the hot seat! And it has been a roller-coaster ride spanning 15 months for the rollover contestant.

October 2005: Kasba’s Prasenjit Sarkar gets a call from STAR Plus to participate in the studio show of Kaun Banega Crorepati Dwitiya after clearing the three preliminary stages.

November 2005: Prasenjit shoots with Amitabh Bachchan, but after winning Rs 80,000, the episode ends because of lack of time.

March 2006: With the ailing Bachchan out of the game, Prasenjit is given the option to quit and take home the Rs 80,000 or wait till a new season of the show is announced. Prasenjit chooses to wait.

December 2006: Prasenjit gets a call from STAR Plus to return to the new show, to be hosted by Shah Rukh Khan.

January 22, 2007: Prasenjit becomes the first contestant of the SRK-hosted KBC and also the only one ever to be quizzed by both Bachchan and Shah Rukh.

So, the 39-year-old inspector of central excise and customs is on the brink of making game-show history.

When he takes the studio hot seat “this weekend” for the January 22 launch episode, he will “almost surely” be the first Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (KBC is an adaptation) contestant in 106 countries to have faced two quizmasters.

And that too, Big B and King Khan.

“I know as the rollover contestant, I am the only link between the two KBCs,” Prasenjit said at his Ruby Park residence. “I am happy I took the right decision by not quitting the game and waiting for more than a year for the show to restart.”

And when Prasenjit was flown in for a mock shoot a couple of days back, Shah Rukh welcomed him to the hot seat as “Babumoshai” — rewinding to his Devdas and his predecessor’s Anand days! But when asked to choose his favourite quizmaster, Prasenjit went 50:50.

“I am a huge fan of Mr Bachchan but thanks to my 12-year-old son, I also like Shah Rukh a lot... And whatever little I saw of him as the host, puro jomiye debe!”

Dial Shah Rukh Khan for a song: Kar le kar le tu ek sawal

Since they are trying hard to do things as differently as possible, ever since Shah Rukh Khan took over Amitabh Bachchan’s mantle in Kaun Banega Crorepati, now expect a music video on the game show.

The video of Kar le kar le tu ek sawal, the teasers of which will soon go on air, features King Khan. In fact, the whole thing was the actor’s idea.

“SRK came up with the idea of making the video,” says choreographer Ganesh Hegde, who has directed the video and lent his voice to it.

The shooting of the three-minute visual will be over in the next few days. “It is themed on the show’s tagline that one question can change your life. We’ve already shot for three days with Shah Rukh,” says Hegde.

Yuppie music director duo Vishal-Shekhar have composed the tune. “We’ve kept it young. It takes forward Shah Rukh’s comments and questions. His voice has also been retained. This number could do rounds of discos,” says Vishal Dadlani.

From the drums to the guitar, even the song’s instrumentation has Khan’s inputs. “He used to be present while recording,” adds Dadlani.

“We have ensured that Shah Rukh dons a unique style in the video. The choreography is also very different from what he has ever done before. The focus is more on a hip-hop style,” Hegde adds.

The video will be telecast on January 22 on Star Plus as a prelude to KBC. Khan wears dark glasses, reminiscent of Don. “It’s a delight to choreograph him, as he can carry off a sequence with his sheer charisma,” says Hegde. Read

Shahrukh Khan vs Amithabh Bachchan

THE tweaked promos of the new Kaun Banega Crorepati are generating enough speculation about the fate of the show. While some believe Shah Rukh Khan’s wit lends spunk, others compare his childish humming to former host Amitabh Bachchan’s suavity.

Telly actor Rohhit Roy thinks the teasers are fantastic. “It’s unfair to compare the two, but with Khan it’s more about youthful charm and tongue-in-cheek attitude,” he says.

Many others feel similarly: Khan’s youth gives the promos an edge. “I think the look is a little more refreshed, Shah Rukh is wearing brighter colours and his expressions are different. The fun element in the current promos makes it different from Bachchan’s, though those exuded class and style,” says PR consultant Kehkashan Merchant.

“Shah Rukh Khan isa rock star,” says actor Yash Tonk. “I associate Khan with energy but I can only speak of the new show individually.”

One thing’s for sure: the promos have everyone intrigued. “I’ve only seen one where Shah Rukh’s inviting people to participate in KBC. I’m very eager to see the show now,” says hairstylist Monisha Naegemvala. “Bachchan was outstanding, but SRK is also good. I watched all the shows earlier and am looking forward to the new set.”

Of course there are detractors too. “I think they are superficial,” says advertising executive Rahul Chatterjee. “I mean SRK is good, but the teasers lack the largeness and scale of Bachchan’s Umeed se dugna. These promos make the show seem more about having fun than making money. But Amitabh made it just huge.”

“Bachchan has left behind very large shoes,” says Ramesh Paswan, another ad exec, “Shah Rukh looks like a clown in them. KBC is nothing without Amitabh.

Read

Shahrukh's first Hip-Hop music video for KBC 3

We all know that SRK is working very hard for his television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati and he is not leaving any stones unturned for marketing it well. Few weeks back there were pictures in media showing SRK practicing for the show with a replica of KBC set built in his office. And now, the latest promotional move is the KBC music video. Yes, Shah Rukh is currently shooting a music video for his show Kaun Banega Crorepati. The video is conceptualised, directed, choreographed & sung by Ganesh Hegde, who had choreographed the song ‘Main Hoon Don’. In the video, SRK is dressed in a red velvet jacket and the KBC symbolic ‘Question Marks’ can be seen reflecting on his shades.

The ‘Kar le kar le tu ek sawaal’ is written by Shabbir, RD Telang, Kumar & Asif Baig and music is by Vishal-Shekhar. This will be the first time that SRK will be seen in a Hip-Hop style video. It is a 3 minute 40 sec video which will be released on Jan 22, the day when KBC hits the television. The 10-15 secs teasers will however be aired before that. Read

Is Big B the best ‘host’ of KBC?

“Some questions can change your life” is the new ad-bait which STAR Plus is throwing to promote its ‘hottest’ property KBC 3 starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Such appointment has naturally catalysed comparisons between earlier host, the Big B, and SRK-both iconic brands.

Question is: will SRK prove as or even more popular than Big Abby with TV audiences and hence advertisers?

Will KB3 match the viewership chartbusters of KBC 1 and II? Mudra’s media specialist, Optimum Media Solutions (OMS), probed these topics in a recent survey across the three big metros of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, a substantial part of the Hindi viewership belt.

Hansa Research conducted the survey for OMS sampling 200 men and women in each city among SECs A, B and C and age bracket of 25 - 44 years.

Hold the Hot Seat. It seems that our hearts still collectively beat for the Big B first. ‘Lock kiya jaye’ on this one: Amitabh Bachchan is clear top choice as KBC host across generations, cities, gender and SECs.

SRK needn’t muse on Kal Ho Na Ho, though. A generous 71% of the polled audience are willing to give SRK a chance, and an encouraging 21% say they will definitely continue to watch KBC3.

What’s more, an overwhelming 92% of viewers polled say they are going to ‘try’ the first few episodes of KBC3.

Advertisers of upper-collar brands have some cheer. The roster of advertisers on KBC3 includes most of the brands that SRK is brand endorser for such as Airtel, ICICI, Pepsi, Compaq.

Those already onboard are Hyundai, UTI Mutual Funds, Videcon-the latter two are also endorsed by SRK. That decodes to a mix of class and mass advertisers for this programme-and one expects more upper-tier brands.

There’s no screen-room for complacency though. Although 20% of viewers polled are likely to remain loyal KBC viewers, there are still 50% of viewers who are ready to flirt with other programme options.

This is manifested in some initial scepticism about the change in host for a ‘host-centric’ program like KBC.

The combined ad-spend on KBC3 and World Cup 2007 will be Rs 350-400 crore. Cricket will obviously pose tough competition for the game show as polled viewer preferences suggest.

If the KBC3 episodes clash with any cricketing event, 30% of the show’s viewership base will bat for cricket, reveals the survey. This swing will be seen particularly among 25-30 year-old males and Kolkatans.

An issue of concern will be the time slots. According to the study, although the weekday 9:00p.m slot is the most preferred one, the next most preferred time slot is the weekend primetime slot-especially for the viewer segment over 40 years and among lower socio-economic classes.

Viewers in different cities have different expectations of the KBC3 show: Delhi-ites expect easier entry into the show, Kolkatans hope for more fun/humour, while Mumbaikars expect the least change.

There’s a help line for SRK: “Aaj bhi hai pakdi ummeed ki dori: Don’t lose hope is the moral of the story.” Via

Star dishes out new course for Shah Rukh's KBC3

After announcing the third season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) with SRK, Star Plus is laying out the red carpet for King Khan on his return to the small screen from where he began his innings.

Star Plus is going all out to get the right combination in place —be it the promos or reshuffling of the on-air serials to accommodate KBC in the coveted 9 to 10 pm slot. The channel has come out with a novel promo that has managed to get the eyeballs and bring a smile to viewers’ faces. The 130-second commercial features SRK as a kid asking embarrassing questions at school, in the lift, at parties, et al. The inquisitive child never gets an answer to his questions. In the latter half of the promo, the child who has grown into SRK is in Mumbai, amazed with the opportunities the city offers.

The promo ends with King Khan on the hot seat adlibbing Kuchh sawaal zindagi badal saktey hain (Some questions can change your life). This promo has been conceptualised by O&M.

The concept of the game was the key to the promo, says Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar, group creative director O&M.

“Each and every one of us has as a child asked some embarrassing, stupid questions. We decided to explore this trait in the promo. KBC is after all about question and answers. Curiosity is the DNA of the game. With SRK as the quizmaster, the participant comes away happy as he has had a close brush with a super star.”

Remember the Big B’s baritone Umeed se dugna? The channel had then cashed in on his voice but with SRK, predictably a different line of communication has been adopted. “We wanted to introduce SRK differently. King Khan will bring new elements to the show and this is one of the reasons for coming up with a changed line of communication,” informs Mahabaleshwarkar.

A new promo was aired last night (Thursday). It revolves around questions again but this time it says how the right question in life can change the course of one’s life. “Here, for the first time there is just SRK for the entire 60 second duration and he is talking to the audience,” says Mahabaleshwarkar. A KBC is one of the biggest revenue maker for Star. Predictably, other shows on the channel are making way for King Khan’s show. The first serial to be hit is Karam Apnaa Apnaa, which will shift from the 9:30 pm slot to 8 pm, axing the sci-fi thriller Antariksh. Speaking about the reshuffle, senior creative director, Shailja Kejriwal says, “Antariksh didn’t deliver, so we decided to pull it off air. The show got ratings of two whereas Karam Apnaa Apnaa is delivering a rating of seven currently.”

Karam Apnaa Apnaa is now pitted against Zee’s Banoo Main Teri Dulhan, one of the leading shows of the channel. But Zee has decided to stay put. “We are not changing the time of any of our shows. The only new addition, Maayka Saat Zindagi Bhar Ka, will go on air on January 15 at 8.30 pm. This serial was conceptualised before KBC ,” says Ashish Kaul, VP, Zee Networks. Via Financial Express

BIg B Amithabh Bachchan on hot seat as guest before Shahrukh?

“I live in everybody’s hearts. And compared to that, the small screen is bigger,” said Shah Rukh Khan in his trademark style as he officially announced his comeback to television with the new edition of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.

Khan, who will take the game show forward in January from where Amitabh Bachchan left, refuses to be called a replacement. “It is wrong for people to say that I am replacing Mr Bachchan. I am here today and tomorrow may be there will be a new host for KBC. There is no question of replacement — that happens only when the person wants to carry on and is not being allowed to. Mr Bachchan decided not to carry on and I was the second choice. Comparisons are okay, but they should not be degrading to any person, they should be made in a healthy manner. Mr Bachchan’s shoes are too big for me. Hopefully I will not bring down the standard of the show,” Khan said.

Shah Rukh was particularly excited about coming back to Delhi — his ‘city of joy’ — and restarting his tryst with television from the capital where his acting career took off with TV serials like ‘Fauji’ and ‘Doosra Kewal’. “Delhi is where I spent my childhood. KBC will give me the opportunity to reconnect with the city. In fact, in my line of work, I rarely get to interact with the audiences I work for. This will be my chance to reach out and know all those people who love me and make all those who don’t like me fall in love with me,” said the actor betraying his superstar confidence.

About having celebrity guests on the show, Shah Rukh recounted his own experience adding if the show were to ever have Mr Bachchan as a guest he would go down on bended knees to personally invite him. “If Mr Bachchan were ever to come for the show, I would drive him down to the studio myself. It would be a great honour. I still remember the time when I came on the show for a charity episode. I was nervous but prepared for seven-eight days. And I think I fared well. As a host I plan to do my research well. I am going to download newspapers from the past two years and read them all,” he explained. Via DNA

Before KBC, top honchos leaving Star?

The Star group, Rupert Murdoch’s Asian operation, announced a top-level management change on Friday, but observers say that this is just the beginning.

Star CEO Michelle Guthrie has resigned after six years in the company.

The low-profile Guthrie, who hardly ever gave interviews to the media, will be replaced by Star president Paul Aiello, who joined the company last April. On Friday, Guthrie was unreachable on her mobile phone despite several attempts by DNA Money to contact her, but an internal email sent to Star employees explains why she is leaving.

Coinciding with Guthrie’s resignation, the buzz in the industry is that Star India Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair has also quit the organisation.

It is believed that Nair has put in his papers at Star, and is likely to head NDTV’s proposed entertainment venture.

Film-maker Karan Johar has already picked up a stake in NDTV Entertainment.

Neither Star nor NDTV officials confirmed the development.

Ahead of the launch of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC-3) with Shah Rukh Khan replacing Amitabh Bachchan as host, Sameer Nair’s rumoured exit from Star is being viewed as “unfortunate” for the company.

Aiello, who will formally take charge as the CEO on March 1, is expected to be in Mumbai on Monday to do “damage control”, an industry source said.

KBC, which has always been a revenue-churner for the broadcaster, is starting on January 22 in its new avatar.

It’s not Sameer Nair alone who may leave. For several months now, the buzz has been that Star India CEO Peter Mukherjea may also quit.

Even now, that buzz has not died down. Sources said that News Corp headquarters in New York is in discussions with Mukherjea, trying to persuade him to stay back but he is believed to be working on his own business.

Throughout Friday, the Star India headquarters in Mumbai witnessed high-level meetings, and there was much speculation outside about further announcements.

While Guthrie has been quoted in a press statement as saying that she was leaving Star to take a break, an industry source argued that she may have been under stress as the company had stopped performing like earlier.

“This could be the result of a review exercise” for the company, whose annual revenue is over Rs 2,000 crore. Star India’s TV channels, which contribute around two-thirds of the revenues of the Asia operations of the company, saw falling audience ratings (TRPs) in the past several months. Rival channels like Zee and Sony have strengthened their position in the recent past in terms of programme TRPs.

A media analyst, who did not want to be quoted, said, “The Star network has hit a plateau now. It will be a challenge for it to revive the magic of 2001.” On whether these developments would impact KBC-3, a source said, “no, they have gone too far on that already”.

Meanwhile, some of the names doing the rounds who could assume significant positions in the India operations of Star include Sanjay Das (a 10-year veteran at Star Hong Kong); Steve Askew (COO, Star group); and John Askera (another company insider).

An internal email sent to Star employees by Guthrie says: “I’m sorry to let you know that I have decided to resign as CEO of Star.

Obviously, this is a very difficult decision for me as I’ve been with the company for almost seven years and have a great attachment to it and particularly to all of you. Nevertheless, I have decided it is time for me to take a break.”

In the e-mail, Guthrie says: “In the next two months, I will work very closely with Paul (Aiello) to ensure the smoothest possible transition.”

Guthrie joined Star in June, 2000. Prior to that, she was director of legal and business at Foxtel, Australia’s leading subscription television provider, which is 25% owned by News Corp. Via

Shahrukh Khan: The New king of the hot seat

Bachchan’s old world charm or Khan’s energy and enthusiasm — what do 60-plus viewers prefer? R Naliini and Divyya Subrramaniam report

Faithful followers of Bachchan as well as Kaun Banega Crorepati had a lot to discuss last week when Shah Rukh Khan took over Amitabh Bachchan. There have been heated debates over whether Khan will be able to create the same magic that Bachchan did. For many older viewers however, the change is not merely from one super star to another.

It is a mirror of the change that they have witnessed in their own lives. It is the younger generation receiving the mantle from the older. The overwhelming vote is for the older and the more dignified Bachchan, but the dashing Khan has not been really written off. Most faithful viewers feel that although Bachchan’s voice and old world mannerisms cannot be duplicated, Khan might be able to bring a whole new atmosphere to the show.

Some viewers feel that age has little to do with how good an anchor is. They feel that it just depends on the personal ability of the anchor. But there are many who feel that Khan’s main appeal is to the younger audience. While most viewers are looking forward to the change, there are few who say that the charm of the show is lost.

It’s not just about younger or older — an anchor is an anchor. Khan is a good actor but he may not be a good anchor. Bachchan is good at both. I have been watching Khan since his initial acting days. I don’t consider him an option for KBC at all. Bachchan’s voice, presentation style and the way he interacted with the participants are unmatched qualities.” Vastupal Sheth, 76

Bachchan attracts people of all ages; Khan will appeal more to the younger generation. When it comes to dignity, maturity and experience, Bachchan scores over Khan, who is quite young. Bachchan is genuinely nice. Khan is not as serious or deep as Big B’s. Bachchan’s voice commands attention. His mere presence is enough.” Indu Shedde, 79

I clearly remember how he would adjust the chair level and help participants sit comfortably and only then take his seat. He would talk to the participants and also the relatives or friends accompanying them. Khan is like his son. He’ll do well.” Nirmal Bhambri, 67

Bachchan has his own presentation style and Khan will have his own. There will be a difference in the way the show will be conducted. Bachchan has a knack of doing things that has come through experience. Age and experience won’t be barriers for Khan, if he perseveres. At least, the Badshah of Bollywood has dared to take it up.” LP Dubey, 69

We had a face-to-face experience with Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of KBC’s couples episode. Bachchan was very impressive, humble, polite and spontaneous. Khan’s plus points are his wit and humour. Those who’ve not seen Bachchan’s KBC will think Khan’s is the best. The youth (those aged 15 to 20) will be more impressed with Khan. That is because of the generation gap.” Vinod Behl, 67. Via DNA

Can the new Don ouster original KBC host, Big B?

Shah Rukh Khan is set to replace Amitabh Bachchan as KBC goes on air after its second interval. Speak Up probes the entertainment quotient of two Dons on television

SRK lacks maturity
The entire show should be revamped to suit SRK’s personality. Think KBC and it’s Big B who comes to your mind. If SRK is made to host it without revamping it, the entire show will lose its charm. SRK lacks the maturity, aura and voice of Amitabh. There were many shows hosted by different actors, but none could match Amitabh’s charm. Akshit Singh. Andheri

None of SRK dialogues are memorable
Shah Rukh lacks the personality to carry off a serious show like KBC. I feel the show should be revamped and made funnier and lighter to suit SRK. I can’t think of any patent line for him as none of his dialogues are memorable. There is no one who can replace Big B’s effectively. Gauri Acharya. Malad

Abhishek should have succeeded Big B
SRK’s cute looks gives him an edge over Big B, but as far as voice and personality goes, he is nowhere near the legend. His patent line should be “Biru final hai na”. There should be more variety in the show like star interviews. I feel Abhishek should have succeeded his dad’s throne. Vrinda Goyal. Thane

Time to drop the Big B baggage
One can’t compare SRK and Big B. They have made their mark in their unique way. People should watch the show with a new perspective and not with ‘Big B baggage’. May be, if a few Bollywood dialogues are shown at the end of the show, it will be a bit different and entertaining from earlier KBCs. SRK is okay, but my choice would have been Sanjay Dutt. Gaurang Verma. Bhandup

The original was the best
SRK represents the youth and has huge female fan following. This is the biggest advantage he has over Amitabh Bachchan, since women watch more TV than men. I feel the show is best the way it was, may be the organisers should have made it livelier by adding a few song and dance sequences. If you had to replace Big B, it should have been Hritik. Kiran Sharma. Kandivali

No one can better Big B
SRK lacks the personality and voice of Amitabh. What is to his advantage is that he represents the younger generation and has a huge young fan following. With SRK hosting KBC, the show will lose its maturity and seriousness. I don’t think the show needs to be revamped; it’s Shah Rukh who needs to revamp himself to suit the show. Brijesh Mathur. Goregaon

It's unfair to compare
SRK's major advantage is that he is young and full of life. It’ll be unfair to compare him to Big B. The show should be seen with new perspective. I feel there should be some lighter moments in the show. May be, Shah Rukh can make participants sing and dance. I feel Hritik Roshan should have been a better choice for KBC. Rekha Gadgi. Chembur

Bring back Big B
Nobody can replace Amitabh Bachchan. If organisers of Kaun Banega Crorepati think that they can have an as successful show with Shah Rukh Khan, they are mistaken. There is no need to revamp the show. What is needed is to replace Shah Rukh with Big B. Manoj Kannan. Worli. Courtsey: DNA