February 11, 2009 5:27 PM
- Text
India Loves Hindi "Millionaire"
(CBS)
"Kaun Banega Crorepati" — that's Hindi for "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" — is the most popular show in Indian television history.
After a one-year hiatus, the show returned Monday night with Bollywood hunk Shahrukh Khan as the new host.
Star Television's "Kaun Banega Crorepati" was on the air for two seasons previously with another one of Bollywood's most revered actors, Amitabh Bachchan, as host.
The show went on hiatus after the 64-year-old Bachchan had surgery for an intestinal ailment. He's since resumed work in Bollywood movies, but did not return to hosting the show.
Team Khan says the 41-year-old leading man brings humor and energy to the show, while Bachchan's legions of fans insist there's nobody who can replace their idol.
According to a Times of India report, Khan decided to do the show after getting a green light from his young children.
"Yes, before I took up this offer, I went to my kids because they are very fond of Mr. Bachchan, the few times they have met him," he was quoted as saying.
"You can do it if (he's) not doing it," Khan said his son, Aryaan, 9 and daughter, Suhana, 6 told him.
The format of the show is almost identical to ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" with the questions tweaked to suit Indian audiences.
By Sakshi Didwania and Judy Faber
After a one-year hiatus, the show returned Monday night with Bollywood hunk Shahrukh Khan as the new host.
Star Television's "Kaun Banega Crorepati" was on the air for two seasons previously with another one of Bollywood's most revered actors, Amitabh Bachchan, as host.
The show went on hiatus after the 64-year-old Bachchan had surgery for an intestinal ailment. He's since resumed work in Bollywood movies, but did not return to hosting the show.
Bachchan and Khan are two of the most popular faces in Bollywood and passionate fans can't help but make comparisons between the two.Photos: Bollywood Fashion Awards
Team Khan says the 41-year-old leading man brings humor and energy to the show, while Bachchan's legions of fans insist there's nobody who can replace their idol.
According to a Times of India report, Khan decided to do the show after getting a green light from his young children.
"Yes, before I took up this offer, I went to my kids because they are very fond of Mr. Bachchan, the few times they have met him," he was quoted as saying.
"You can do it if (he's) not doing it," Khan said his son, Aryaan, 9 and daughter, Suhana, 6 told him.
The format of the show is almost identical to ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" with the questions tweaked to suit Indian audiences.
By Sakshi Didwania and Judy Faber
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