by Subhash K Jha

Deal Ya No Deal is the most successful game show in the world. In the words of Sony's head honcho Tarun Katyal it's a cross between Let's Make A Deal and How To Become A Millionaire.

And it's going to be on Sony, probably from November. Madhavan who will host the show was in Mumbai on Saturday to shoot the promo.

Says Madhavan. "Yes, Sony approached me. We's just worked out the details. I've to shoot six days a month. I've been finalized to anchor the show. It's the biggest game show in the world. But I've also been asked not to speak too much about it. All I can say is, it has no relevance or connection to KBC. It's a different format altogether. And we won't be pitching it against KBC. Our show will be telecast on weekdays Who on earth would dare to take on Mr Bachchan?"

Madhavan's clothes are being designed by Shahid Amir. They've given the Tamil star a boyish affable look.

The prize money is likely to be Rs 1crore.

Tarun Katyal who is in Cannes for the television festival, says , "Yes, we're doing a game show. Deal Ya No Deal is is our version of Deal Or No Deal, the no 1 game show in the world. I visited Spain recently to check out the show there, and now in France...it's a phenomenal event. Why Madhavan?"

"Because we needed someone young boyish intelligent and able to connect instantly with the audience. The world over, the hosts have been young genial and energetic. Madhavan fitted the bill. One or two other names , including Saif Ali Khan, were initially thrown around . But once the project concretized it was Maddy all the way. And when he shot the promo with us this week we knew we had made the right choice."

Tarun cuts down all comparisons with KBC.

"Deal Ya No Deal isn't a bit like any other game show we've seen from any part of the world. And believe you me, it wasn't expensive to buy from its international original copy holders. We at Sony are on the look-out for shows that would give us a profile distinct from our competitors. When we started Fame Gurukul we were sneered at for attempting something so outlandish. And now that's one of our highest rated shows."

Katyal admits Sony hopes to consolidate its position further with Deal Ya No Deal. "It will add considerably to Madhavan's fan following, that's for sure."