Once in a lifetime you get to be a part of history. this was one such moment. to be part of Indian television history's biggest moment. Star CEO Samir Nair, Siddharth Basu, Creator of Kaun Banega Crorepati and cinestar Shah Rukh Khan got together ibn Delhi's Oberoi hotel to announce the launch of the show's third run. KBC 3 on December 4, 2006. I was flown in by Star to the venue to attend the press conference and it turned out an exhilerating experience as he happens to know my bro Roshan rather well. --- Excerpts from the published interview...
It's been weeks of rumours ever since King Khan SRK announced his re-entry on the small screen, creating Indian television industry's biggest moment. But on Monday, in the city of birth, "my City of Joy" as he chose to address Delhi the Badshah of Bollywood put paid to all of them at Star's press conference at the Oberoi to announce the launch of the third edition of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the show which catapulted the channel from number 3 to number 1 position in seven days flat, with the star as the fresh anchor.
Ever the metrosexual male, Shah Rukh, wearing an ash pink shirt and rose pink tie under a blazer, stymied all rumours of attempting to put down Star's former anchor in a way only he can. "I generally consult my son Aryan when I want to take up a project and I asked him whether I should take up the show and he said, 'Agar crorepati uncle mana kar de tab hi karma.' When I told him that was not happening he was a little sad but we will overcome that. It was only when Amitji informed he could not do the show that Star decided to pick me up as the second best choice. It is a show close to my heart, I have been a participant on it and am grateful that I have been considered able enough to I make my promise before you all today that I will do my best to ensure the show does not lose value and content," said the star in all humility.
Steering clear of controversy, both Star CEO Samir Nair and the show creator, Siddharth Basu clarified that it was only after a confirmation from Mr. Bachchan's side that he would not be doing the show that they chose Shah Rukh to take on the mantle, preferring albeit to define him as the "best alternate choice."
Taking a cue from SRK Star CEO Samir Nair clarified that the channel was informed in July that Amitabh was no longer interested in doing the show. " "Shah Rukh has been a Gen Next icon. There has never been any doubt of that," said Siddharth Basu. "He is intelligent, smart, witty, classy, cool, and has everything to make it run on a fresh run. The show, (a copy of the original Who Wants To Be A Millionaire), has run in 106 countries worldwide. Despite several attempts by the media to elicit a negative statement against Big B from the Badshah of Bollywood, SRK carefully side-stepped the traps and made a clear breast of his intent. Commenting on his role in the comeback of KBC 3, Shah Rukh clarified, "Siddharth Basu is the K -- Kreator, for which Samir Nair will be giving me the C— Crores and I am the bachcha in the midst of these veterans, and together we three make KBC 3 I would not like to be just a host but also a dost."
Waiving aside rumours that the show marked his exit from films or that his re-entry on the medium which marked his debut meant his film career was in trouble, Shah Rukh shot back media queries drawing similarities between his and Amitabh's entry into television – "Mr Bachchan has been an icon to me and generations of others. I don't think he was ever in any position that he had to enter the television industry out of any need. And I cannot step into his shoes ever—he has rather big feet," he jested. Asked who he would like to have as a guest on the show, SRK said, "I don't have a list of honour but if Mr Bachchan would agree, I would go on bended knees to have him as a guest. But I would also like to open the show to all of India. I would like the people who have put me in this place to get a chance to be on the show." Replying to doubts whether he would be able to give the kind of commitment the show requires, SRK said, "I do three films in a year which take up 80 to 90 days, I have never changed it, so I have a lot many days left. I never really went from the small screen—with media being so film-oriented today I have always been their in the people's hearts in the form of films and. And the programme gives me a chance to build an interactive people with the public that has made me what I am today," he said.
Questioned if he would ever like to be in politics, the Badshah displayed all of the tact and charm that he's noted for, "I think I am too bloody good looking to ever be a politician," then clarified, "Seriously, I am apolitical, I have full respects for all the people who are running this country and the perseverance and the patience with which they run it." However he categorically denied he had been offered a seat in the Rajya Sabha by the Congress.
There are replacements when a King abdicates. I have made no such announcements. This King is coming right into your bedrooms, said SRK," moulding the media like putty in his hands.
Main hoon na
Are you going to join politics?
I think I am too bloody good looking to ever be a politician.
After being besieged with queries by a star struck lady reporter.
"If you ask me my salary, I will ask you your age.
Are you thrilled or nervous?
Arre mera dil dhak dhak karney laga…
On whether he makes his choices from the heart or the mind?
"If there is a contest between the heart and the mind, I will listen to my heart but it will not be a foolish choice."
On why the choice of background colour for KBC3 is red (laal), not blue?
"Arrey main is dharti ka laal hi to hoon"
Describe KBC in your inimitable style
"I love K—k-k-k-k KBC!"
On seeing the massive press presence?
"You are proof that the population of this country refuses to go down.
On whether his audience will see him in a bathtub on the show? (By a lady reporter)
"Sure, if you agree to come in too."
On what would he like to be in another life?
I'd still like to be Shah Rukh Khan
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