Quizmaster SIDDHARTH BASU talks to SANGEETA YADAV about the making of Kaun Banega Crorepati and how it has brought a big transformation on TV and people’s lives
How has your journey been from making Quiz Time in 1985 to Mastermind and now, KBC?
It was full of challenges but a rewarding experience to make not just a knowledge-based show but a national contest. For KBC, the suggestion came from Star Plus which was looking for a game changer and a flagship driver to kick start their 24/7 Hindi programming. At that time, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was making waves worldwide and we were the 26th country to adapt this international show. Because it had a knowledge-based format and we at Synergy had the best credentials in this genre of shows, I guess they came to us.
How did you convince Amitabh Bachchan to host it?
Sameer Nair, then of Star Plus, persisted for a long time. Mr Bachchan was hesitant. He was advised not to do TV. He was told that ‘chhote parde par aake chhote bann jayengey’. We met him in London. He wanted to see live how the British programme was recorded. After seeing it, he put one condition — only if we do it the way they were doing, would he give his nod as a host. We got the resources and did the show in the same manner. Nothing on that scale had been done before — the level of participation, putting together the crew of 250-300, the technology and the telecom interactivity for selection and the size of the prize. The tin shed studio in Mumbai was transformed into a fully air-conditioned set. We were based in Delhi, we shifted to Mumbai and started from scratch.
How was the response?
It was like a magic and a dream come true. From day one, the minute the show would go on air, the traffic on the roads would reduce, one could hear KBC tune from every nook and corner. It was an indescribable feeling to see the change in the fortunes of the participants overnight and Mr Bachchan was thrilled with it.
You also launched KBC in eight regional languages…
Malayalam has been outstanding with four seasons — almost 400 episodes. All our knowledge shows in Malayalam have done well but this (Hindi) was exceptional. Then we did in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangala and Marathi. Bhojpuri didn’t do that well because we targeted the wrong audience and the channel Mahua got into a lot of trouble.
Did the merger with Reliance help?
Actually the merger was with Adlabs, who soon moved out of their partnership with Reliance. For us, it was more of a psychological merger, to have the backing of a company as the size of our projects had grown very large. Thus, we became Big Synergy in 2007. Our partners let us do things our way. We grew organically and did different genres of shows like Jhalak Dikhlaa Ja, Sach Ka Samna, India’s Got Talent and Aapki Kacheri.
Many coaching centres cropped up to train people for KBC…
I don’t think you need to take up any course to be able to get into the show. There is no one way to prepare for a general knowledge show like KBC. All you need to do is keep your eyes, ears and mind open and read extensively. If such institutions are exploiting people, then that is unhealthy.
There were many contestants who were on the verge of winning crores but lost...
It is always heartbreaking to see that. Within hand’s reach, despite our counselling and frequent reminders from our host to be sure of the answer, contestants have lost the game. We counsel everybody before they sit on the hot seat and during breaks, and tell them that it is an easy game with multiple choice question format and lifelines. However, they should not forget that there is a sting in the tail, that their first mistake is their last. You can quit but you can’t make a mistake. It is also not a guessing game, however, it is your right to take the risk. Without the risk, the game can’t be what it is.
What do contestants take back?
It isn’t just about winning lakhs or crores of rupees. Even small amount matters. Many women come for validation that despite all the challenges, here I am. The role of the money in this show is to add to the drama of human knowledge, emotion, competition and dilemma. It tests you how sensible, knowledgeable and balanced are you to resolve the dilemma? The DNA of the show is — you can see a life change right in front of your eyes in a TV programme. KBC is all about human stories unfolding through knowledge, through a show that touches millions of lives.
Where does KBC go from here?
If we can foster the culture of knowledge, finding things out for oneself, through discovery learning or establishing facts and having a questioning mind, it is going to be very good for the individual and society. I will be delighted.
