/> After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan it's Abhishek Bachchan who has stayed away from Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by his father Amitabh Bachchan.

This week the director Ashutosh Gowariker and his leading lady Deepika Padukone of Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se recorded an episode of KBC. Abhishek opted out, although this is a crucial release for him.

Apparently there was much behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to convince Abhishek to occupy the hot seat in front of his iconic dad-host. Abhishek refused to budge.

Says a source, "Both the channel personnel and the crew of Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se felt getting Abhishek and his dad on the same platform would be great publicity for Abhishek's film. Abhishek wouldn't relent. They finally went on the show without him. "

In fact the channel's plans to bring the entire Bachchan parivar for the grand finale on December 9 has also fallen through. According to sources, the Big B thwarted the plans of getting his family on the show by throwing the rule-book at the Channel. They finally had to make the finale a Sholay special featuring the Big B with Dharmendra.

Says Sony Entertainment's CEO Ajit Thakur, "We were indeed in advanced talks with the Bachchan family to come on the show. However it finally didn't work out. Even Abhishek is missing in the episode featuring his colleagues for the promotion of their film. "

Argues the Big B, "As per the rules and regulations of the company that owns the original rights of KBC, relatives of the anchor are not permitted to participate in the show. There's a signed contract in this regard. "

However the Channel's personnel argue that the contract rules don't apply to special episodes of KBC.

Says the source, "We were very keen to have the family on the show. But the Bachchans don't want anyone to say they're using the show to promote the family. "