Big B to host the “KBC season 9”, with changed rules

Mumbai: After enthralling television audiences in previous editions of the reality game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Superstar Amitabh Bachchan will again host the ninth edition, to be aired on Sony entertainment television from August 28.Addressing a press conference in Mumbai last evening, Bachchan said,'Kaun Banega Crorepati celebrates the dreams and aspirations of the common man and their tryst with knowledge.

The show is close to my heart and I am glad to host its 9th ninth edition on Sony Entertainment Television”.The new edition of KBC will see the introduction of new lifelines.The earlier ‘Phone-a-Friend’ lifeline will see a change this season to Video-A-Friend.Further, a new life-line ‘Jodidaar’ has been introduced in which the participant can bring along a partner to join him/her on the hot seat.Another feature designed to make the show more exciting is the introduction of a jackpot question for Rs 7 crore.This will be an ‘All Or Nothing’ deal, where all the remaining lifelines of the contestants will terminate.

This edition of the show will also see live-sized cheques replaced with digital currency transferred directly into winner’s account via ‘Axis Bank’.Speaking about KBC 9, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, N P Singh said, “KBC is a show that truly does Go-Beyond the ordinary to touch the lives of people from all walks of life.

This show has always exemplified attainment via the power of knowledge.Guided by insights, KBC is back to Indian television in its 9th season, in a new avatar that showcases some game-changing innovations.” Talking about the new edition, EVP-Business Head at Sony Entertainment Television (SET) Danish Khan said, “One of the most relevant shows for India, Sony Entertainment Television is happy to present a fast-paced, thrilling, technologically upgraded season 9 of KBC with the most popular host in the television world, Amitabh Bachchan.

” Quiz wizard Siddhartha Basu , who conceived the show, said, “The humongous number of registrations for a crack at the hot seat is one pointer to the enormous anticipation for the show.Along with much-loved features of the classic format, viewers can look forward to expect the unexpected this season, a turbo-charged version, with novel features, engaging contestants, and vibrant conduct by the host who’s the most – Amitabh Bachchan.” The announcement of the New edition with Bachchan as host comes amid speculations that he was being replaced by Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor as the show's host. There were also rumours that former Miss world and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan would host the show this year.(UNI)