Why Kaun Banega Crorepati Is Such A Win- Win Show?

By Ayesha Borker

Edited by  Anandita Malhotra,Senior editor,The Indian Economist

The Indian television is inundated with a multitude of shows. Be it Sony, Zee TV, Star Plus or Colours- all of them air various serials which claim to be prime time TV programs. In the olden days we had Malgudi Days, Swabhiman, Dekh Bhai Dekh etc. that displayed an assortment of content. These days most shows are merely repetitive story lines of Saas- Bahu sagas. The trend mostly started with Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi which eventually became a Bible for all the other shows to follow. Be it a middle class girl, poor family, rich guy, age–leaps, fierce mother-in-laws or the ‘Miss Goody-Two Shoes’ protagonists; all shows which are aired today, recycle, re-use the same  ingredients with nothing new to offer. In such times when we are spoilt with options aplenty, but none we can find solace in, Kaun Banega Crorepati arises as a big relief.

Kaun Banega Crorepati or popularly known as KBC is an Indian television game show based on its UK counterpart called Who wants to be a Millionaire?. The show involves questions being asked to contestants who, on giving the right answer, win prize money. The show first started in India in 2000 and was hosted by movie star -Amitabh Bachchan. It was an instant hit and won several hearts in countries like Pakistan, Canada and UK too. Capitalizing on its warm welcome, the show went on to progress over the years and is currently running in its eighth season on Sony Entertainment Television. The reasons why I nonchalantly declare KBC to be one of the best shows running on Indian TV today are many.

To begin with, KBC is easily one of the most positive shows around. It builds on the concept that knowledge could get you anywhere in life. It emphasizes on the need for education and this converts into a wonderful message to spread across in a country like India. With contestants coming from all strata of society and victory determined only on the basis of merit, KBC becomes the most unbiased reality show ever. You give the right answer, you win the reward. No feelings, favouritism or external judgement involved. Most of the participants hail from remote and rural areas of the nation. This only highlights the vast influence of the show. It also brings forth the lives of the commoners on a public platform. In many ways KBC has done to India what Humans of New York is doing to the world. The struggles of the poor, the stigma of the backward and the injustice to women- all of these issues are openly addressed on national television. There could be no better way for reaching out to people than this show. Dowry afflicted, molested, oppressed or the depressed- all kinds of contestants come on the show only to prove that they can make it too. This makes for a very heartening viewership. While many programmes talk about making a difference to the society, KBC is actually doing it. Giving a platform to the common man to win money and transform his/her own life is no less than a social cause.

On another note, watching quiz shows would only add to a viewer’s awareness. There is nothing to lose here. The competitive nature of the show only adds to the excitement and makes an hour well spent .It would be piecemeal information, if I forget to mention the charisma of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He truly sparkles in the show and his connection with the audience is nothing short of endearing. Many would argue he makes KBC what it is today and none can imagine the two detached.

While the prize money, lifelines and questions of the show keep changing every season, KBC continues to bring the nation together by pasting smiles on their faces. With so many positives and high-packed entertainment, this is one such show for which everyone would say, ‘Lock kar diya jaye’!