Shahrukh to host 'Gen Next' avataar of KBC

New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) After Farhan Akhtar's 'Don', the charismatic Shahrukh Khan is all set to again step in the shoes of superstar Amitabh Bachchan! Shahrukh is to host the new edition of the popular game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', to be aired soon on Star Plus.

In a move primarily aimed at reaching out to the "below 35" age group, which today comprise 2/3rd's of the population of India, KBC will be back in its Gen Next avatar, to be hosted by the "Badshah" of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, who today commands a huge following among the youngsters in the country, sources in the Star Plus said.

''Kaun Banega Crorepati has redefined television viewing in India. KBC is very close to our hearts as it laid the foundation for Star Plus unprecedented domination over the last 6 years. With the Next Gen avatar of KBC with Shah Rukh Khan as its host, we promise to engage and deliver to our audiences a whole new entertainment experience,''Sameer Nair, CEO, STAR Entertainment India, said.

For Shahrukh Khan, hosting the new edition of the show, which has redefined the concept of game shows in the country and turned Amitabh Bachchan into a household, is yet another opportunity to step into the shoes of the Big B after Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' where he essayed the role played by Mr Bachchan in the original version released in 1980.

''I was pleasantly surprised when Star offered me the show.

I was a participant in season one of KBC...and little did I know one day I would be hosting it. It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr Bachchan,''Shahrukh said.

Nevertheless Shahrukh looked forward to this opportunity to host the biggest game show in India.

''It also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to reach out...talk and interact with my audience through a medium where I began my career as an actor years ago. So here's looking forward to coming round a full circle...guess unlock kiya jaaye,''he said.

Producers of the famous show feel that Shahrukh, with his "inescapable charm and wit", will add an altogether new dimension to the show besides bringing in more viewers.

Says Siddhartha Basu of Synergy Communications, the company that succesfully adapted the concept of the show 'Who Wants to be a Millionare' to Indian television,''KBC with SRK will bring a whole new set of audience to Star Plus. Although I have been associated with KBC ever since it began, this is literally a new beginning for me. SRK's wit, energy, excitement and enthusiasm will rub off onto all of us and together as a team, we hope to create some magical moments on television.'' Star India has signed a 5-year contract with Celador for Kaun Banega Crorepati. The deal incorporates both the format and programme license and is the longest continuing license that has ever been granted for the globally successful show.

The date of telecast of the new edition of the KBC has not yet been decided and will be announced by Star in the first week of December, channel sources said.

UNI