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.

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