As the curtains fell on the seventeenth season of India's beloved quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, its iconic host Amitabh Bachchan delivered a poignant and emotional farewell, marking the end of another successful chapter. The finale episode, which aired on Friday, saw the legendary actor reflecting on a journey that has spanned over two decades, deeply intertwined with the nation's television history.
An Emotional Monologue from the Host
Addressing the audience at the start of the final episode, Amitabh Bachchan shared profound thoughts on his long association with the show. He expressed how time seemed to have flown by, stating that moments lived deeply often feel like they are ending just as they began. The 81-year-old star revealed a staggering personal fact: he has spent more than one-third of his life hosting KBC, a commitment he described as a "great fortune."
His voice laden with emotion, Bachchan thanked the viewers for their unwavering support since the show's inception in the year 2000. "Whenever I have come on your TV screens, you have welcomed me with open arms," he said. He poignantly added, "When I laughed, you laughed with me, and when my eyes filled with tears, your eyes shed tears too. You have been my companions on this journey, from the beginning to the very end." He concluded this heartfelt note by emphasizing the symbiotic relationship with the audience, saying, "If you exist, this game exists, and if this game exists, then we exist."
A Grand Finale with Music and Laughter
The concluding episode was not just about quizzing but also a grand celebration. Amitabh Bachchan treated the audience to a special musical performance lasting over 30 minutes. He sang several of his iconic songs, including festive numbers like 'Rang Barse' and 'Hori Khele Raghuveera', along with the classic 'Mere Angne Mein', much to the delight of fans.
Adding a dose of humour to the emotional night, popular comedian Kiku Sharda took the hot seat. His hilarious antics and interactions with Bachchan provided light-hearted entertainment, balancing the sentimental tone of the finale.
The Genesis of Bachchan's Association with KBC
The news story also revisits how the megastar first became associated with the Indian adaptation of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. In an earlier interview, Sameer Nair, the executive who acquired the rights for the show, recalled the initial challenges in convincing a film star of Bachchan's stature to move to television. He mentioned that even Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh's wife, was initially uncertain about the full-time TV commitment.
Nair revealed that Bachchan's decision was meticulous; he even visited the sets of the original British show in London before finally agreeing to host KBC. Discussing the show's lasting appeal in the age of the internet, Nair pointed out that the audience's love for Mr. Bachchan is so strong that even though answers can now be instantly Googled, viewers prefer to watch the drama and playout unfold on screen as intended.
The end of Season 17 is not just the conclusion of another quiz season but a reminder of a unique cultural phenomenon where a superstar and a nation's viewers have shared laughter, tears, and knowledge for nearly a quarter of a century.
