In a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the audience was reminded of Shoojit Sircar's pivotal role in shaping the show's first season. A clip from the episode shows Amitabh Bachchan acknowledging Shoojit's contribution, stating, 'When KBC started in 2000, Shoojit was the director of the show.'
Shoojit, reminiscing about his time with KBC, revealed, 'I was in online direction, sitting in the control room. Siddharth Basu, whom we fondly call Babu, requested me to join the project in Delhi. This brought me to Mumbai for the first time. I had never seen the city before. Meeting Amitabh Bachchan then was life-changing, and today, here I am, sitting beside him again.'
Kaun Banega Crorepati, an adaptation of the UK-based show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, revolutionized Indian television. Premiering in 2000, the quiz-based reality show became a household favorite, bringing families together to watch and engage.
For Amitabh Bachchan, KBC marked a turning point in his illustrious career. During the late 1990s, Bachchan faced financial struggles as his production house, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation (AB Corp), faced significant losses. The industry's reliance on traditional methods clashed with AB Corp's modern corporate approach, leaving the megastar in dire straits.
Taking a bold step, Bachchan ventured into television, a platform that many film stars hesitated to explore. With KBC, he not only paid off his creditors but also reinvented himself for a new generation of fans. Through the show, Bachchan became a nightly fixture in Indian households, cementing his place as an icon across different mediums.
Shoojit Sircar's association with KBC was just the beginning of a remarkable journey. His ability to connect with audiences and his storytelling expertise set him apart. From working behind the scenes on one of India's most-watched TV shows to directing critically acclaimed films, Shoojit's contributions to Indian entertainment are unparalleled.
In the episode of KBC, Sircar's reflections highlighted the serendipity of his career. From his first interaction with Amitabh Bachchan on the show to directing him in films, their collaboration has been a testament to Shoojit's growth as a filmmaker and visionary.
Shoojit Sircar's upcoming film, I Want To Talk, has generated significant buzz. Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan's son, the movie promises to be a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Known for crafting narratives that resonate with audiences, Shoojit is expected to deliver yet another masterpiece.
As Kaun Banega Crorepati continues to captivate audiences year after year, its roots in the first season remain significant. Shoojit Sircar's creative touch and Amitabh Bachchan's magnetic presence laid the foundation for the show's enduring success.
From reviving a megastar's career to becoming a cultural phenomenon, KBC represents more than just a television show'it's a symbol of reinvention, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
With his legacy already firmly established, Shoojit Sircar's upcoming ventures, like I Want To Talk, are eagerly awaited. His journey from directing KBC to helming impactful films showcases his dedication to pushing creative boundaries in Indian entertainment.