Everyone said hosting KBC will be the biggest mistake of my life: Amitabh Bachchan

The badshah of Bollywood is all set to host the fifth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati. It is true that the word phenomenon is bandied about too loosely these days, but it certainly fits with this cult show. KBC from its onset has been a historic success and everyone wants a piece of Bachchan, the man who has the power to make streets empty the moment the show goes on air. In an interview with TellyChakkar, Big B Bachchan gets candid and talks about KBC’s latest season and shares other interesting anecdotes. Excerpts from the interview… How important is the show for you? It is very important. Initially when I decided to host the show in the year 2000 people said that it is going to be the biggest mistake of my life. They said I work in films and I will demean myself by appearing on the small screen. Even my family members said that I should not host the show. But I liked the format and the intention of the show. This is a show by which people can gain money as well as knowledge. Through it I met so many people from diverse backgrounds and locations. I realised that people are all equal and share identical emotions. There were people who fought with their family members to participate in the show. And I was amazed to see their confidence while answering or communicating. I truly believe that koi insaan chota nahin hota. You ask so many questions to different contestants. What is the one question that makes you angry? There is no such question. I am a very calm-headed person and I never get angry. The feeling is obviously good when one becomes a crorepati. How did you feel when you became a crorepati? (Laughs) I don’t really remember when I became a crorepati. But I will tell you who can answer this question. One must ask the Income Tax Department and they will give you the exact date and amount. Personally, I have never really thought of money and how rich I will become in life. All I think is to go in front of the camera and entertain my fans. It has been reported that you practiced for the show at home with your family members. Who is the most intelligent of all the Bachchans? Well, I have never practiced for the show with my family members. Usually someone from the channel came down to my home and I practiced with them. But yes among all the Bachchans, my daughter Shweta is the most intelligent and knowledgeable. You mentioned that there were people who fought with their family members to participate in KBC. Did you ever fight with your family to achieve something? I would like to share an anecdote. After finishing my graduation I was struggling to find a job. So in the afternoon I met my friends at a local coffee shop where we vented our frustration. During one such session one of my friends said that his father was responsible for his sorry state as he decided to give him birth. I pondered upon the idea and realised that my friend’s thinking was correct. So I went back home and shouted at my father and asked him why he gave birth to me. My father didn’t say anything and went to sleep but in the morning I found a poem beside my pillow. The poem was written by my dad and it said that he had no answer as he had also asked the same question to his dad. Probably his dad asked the same question to his dad. But he suggested that I make sure to ask my children before giving them birth (laughs). So this was the only time I revolted against my family. If you ever sit on the hot seat, who do you want to see in the role of an anchor? I think I am not knowledgeable and capable enough to sit on the hot seat. So I would rather stick to the role of being an anchor. You are 69 and yet so energetic. Aapki sehat ka raaz kya hain? (laughs) Well, if I answer to the question then you will say I am promoting my brand. On a serious note I think it is all about being disciplined in life. Any message for your fans? Do watch KBC season 5 and enjoy the show. There’s lot more emotion and fun this time. And I want to thank everyone for all the love and appreciation.