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Shahrukh Khan to host KBC III

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Priyanka Joshi New Delhi
Shahrukh Khan is making a habit of stepping into Amitabh Bachchan's shoes. First, it was wearing the mantle of Don on the big screen and now King Khan is getting set to scorch television sets as the host of popular television show Kaun Banega Crorepati (best known as KBC).
 
"The new KBC will essentially be the same as its earlier version, except that Shahrukh will host the show. The format, including the prize money of Rs 2 crore, is the same," said Sameer Nair, CEO, Star Entertainment India.
 
Star has said the show will be on air by mid-January 2007 and will be broadcast on week-day time slots. Did the channel think of Abhishek Bachchan?
 
"We did, but only when Mr Bachchan [Senior] was ill and we were contemplating our next move. When we re-thought about KBC, Shahrukh's was the only name on the list," claimed Nair.
 
To be produced by Siddhartha Basu's Synergy Communications, KBC is expected to bring a newer set of audiences to television.
 
Said Basu: "Although I have been associated with the show ever since it began, this is, literally, a new beginning for me. SRK's wit, energy, excitement, and enthusiasm will rub off on all of us, and together as a team we hope to create some magical moments on television."
 
The channel has signed a five-year contract with Celador for the purpose. The deal incorporates both the format and programme licence and is the longest continuing licence that has ever been granted for the globally successful show.
 
Nair and the channel are betting heavily on the combination of Shahrukh and KBC to give the channel a "Gen Now" look. The channel has reportedly signed Shahrukh for two seasons (roughly 120 episodes), with an option of doing a third season.
 
The Bollywood star is currently out of the country, but revealed his excitement in a release.
 
"I was pleasantly surprised when Star offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC, and little did I know that one day I would be hosting it. It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr Bachchan, but it also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to interact with my audience through a medium in which I began my career as an actor years ago. So here's looking forward to coming round a full circle...guess unlock kiya jaaye," read the release.

 
 

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First Published: Nov 27 2006 | 12:00 AM IST

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