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.