Amitabh's KBC prank rings wrong bells in Punjab

Amitabh's KBC prank rings wrong bells in Punjab
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 12:11 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Their mobile phones are ringing thanks to "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC), but the calls have nothing to do with millions of rupees. A prank by Bollywood superstar and show host Amitabh Bachchan has ushered in a nightmarish time for the users of 10 mobile phone numbers in Punjab.

In a recent episode, Bachchan had randomly given out a mobile number when a participant at the show pestered him for his contact.

"No sooner was the show aired on Sony TV channel than all hell broke loose for me. I have received thousands of calls in the last few days.

People are calling 24 x 7 - from northeast India to Gujarat, Kashmir to Kanyakumari," wedding planner Karan Wahi, one of those 'seriously' affected by Amitabh's prank, told here.

Amitabh, popularly referred to as Big B, had given out nine digits of a mobile number (987730000) during the show, leaving viewers to guess the last one. Eager Amitabh fans did not take long to dial all digits - from 0 to 9 - in that mobile series.

Since the series belongs to mobile operators in Punjab, the mobile users with these numbers became sitting ducks for the fans who started calling.

Sony, the TV channel which airs the show, remained unavailable for comment.

Wahi, who owns two of these mobile numbers - ending with 1 and 5 - in this series, says his nightmare is unending.

Puneet Bansal, a businessman from Punjab's industrial town of Mandi Gobindgarh, 60 km from here, is another victim of Big B's prank. Jalandhar resident Inder Preet, who has two numbers in the series, is at the receiving end of constant harassment due to unwarranted calls.

Bansal is moving a court in the matter and has already slapped a legal notice on Sony TV and Amitabh.

"People are calling from Australia, Canada, the USA, London and everywhere else. I have not received so many calls in one year as I have received in the last three-four days," an exasperated Wahi said.

Harassed by the constant calls and streams of SMSs, Wahi has slapped a legal notice on Amitabh and Sony TV.

"I am at my wits' end. I feel like committing suicide. I will seek a compensation of at least Rs.50 lakh from the TV channel and the host for this harassment and constant mental agony," Wahi said.

"People want me to connect to Amitabh Bachchan and don't listen to my arguments. From knowing about his health to when he is becoming a grandfather, they ask everything 24 hours.

"They even want to talk to Aishwarya (Amitabh's daughter-in-law and actress) and son Abhishek. Initially, we enjoyed the calls but soon got fed up with these. Even giving choicest Punjabi abuses has failed to ward off people," Wahi said.

His business is suffering due to hundreds of these calls, Wahi added.

The affected people have now either switched off their numbers or have started diverting the calls.

"My roaming bill has gone up by Rs.10,000 in just the last few days. What is the use of buying VIP numbers if a small joke can create so much chaos?" another affected 'victim', not wishing to be identified, told us.
'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from Vikrant Massey's 'The Sabarmati Report' Captures the Pain of Heartbreak!

The soulful song 'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from the upcoming film 'The Sabarmati Report' starring Vikrant Massey was released on Wednesday. Featuring Vikrant Massey and

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Vicky Kaushal to Portray 'Eternal Warrior of Dharma' Chiranjeevi Parashurama in 'Mahavatar'!

Bollywood sensation Vicky Kaushal is set to take on one of the most iconic roles of his career as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in the upcoming mythological epic "Mahavatar," directed by

Thursday, November 14, 2024
'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Season 2 Trailer Unveiled: A Thrilling Ride of Kidnapping, Betrayal, and Revenge!

The much-anticipated trailer for the second season of Netflix's hit streaming series 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' was released on Wednesday, offering fans a glimpse into the

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Ananya Panday Turns Up the Heat in Sizzling Bikini Photos from Dubai Vacation!

Ananya Panday recently took to social media to share glimpses from her Dubai vacation, captivating her fans with stunning beach photos. The Bollywood actress posted a

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Shraddha Kapoor Shares Her Views on Success, Failure, and Everything in Between in Filmfare's November 2024 Edition!

Shraddha Kapoor, a powerhouse performer known for her charm and versatility, continues to dominate Hindi Cinema, a journey that has rightfully landed her on the cover

Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT