Big B took quiz shows into dining rooms: Derek O'Brien

Veteran quiz master and Parliamentarian Derek O'Brien feels that megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been hosting 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' in the past and is set to host the latest season, took quiz shows into "dining rooms".
"Mr Bachchan is an iconic figure and a brilliant quiz show host. He has helped in a great way in taking quizzing into the dining rooms and making quizzing a game show for the whole family," O'Brien told PTI.
He also thinks that the art has changed a lot on the small screen over the years.
"In the early days quizzing was the hobby of intellectuals. Today, quizzing is more about self-improvement. Today, it is not just about absorbing information, but about imbibing the knowledge and realising how to apply it," he said.

O'Brien is now back with a new season of Bournvita Quiz Contest (BQC) as a host.
"I wouldn't call it a comeback as such; BQC has always been around. We were on air on Colors channel in 2011 and 2012 as well," he said.

BQC started out as a live quiz show in 1972, then as a radio show in 1973 before it debuted on the television. It is completing its 40 years.
"Even after 21 years, every question is vetted through me. I am still very hands on," O'Brien said.
But otherwise, he does not follow TV much. "I mostly follow news channels and, of course, sports when India is playing. I am a great Rajesh Khanna fan. So whenever there is an old film of him playing on any channel, I try my best to watch," he said.