Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is one of the most loved game shows on Indian television. Even after running for 10 seasons, viewers look forward to it every year. Many think the format has led to the show’s success, but there are others who believe that KBC owes its success to popular host Amitabh Bachchan. Arun Sheshkumar, who has been directing the show since season one, says it’s a combination of both. “It’s a symbiotic relationship. Each one is supporting the other; they complement each other beautifully,” he says.
Season 11 is set to go on air from August 19 and the team is currently shooting in Mumbai. Big B shared the picture of his first day shoot on his Twitter page. Telling us what we can look forward to, Sheshkumar says, “It’s going to be an amazing season of knowledge, entertainment, great stories and the icing on the cake is Mr Amitabh Bachchan, in all refreshed energy.”
The team has also used buggy cameras for the first time. Elaborating on it, he says, “These cameras are on wheels and literally like a toy. Completely wireless, the cameras have greater flexibility. It’s Mr Bachchan’s favourite piece of equipment. For the first time in the history of Indian television, a buggy camera has been used. It was used in IPL this year but never on entertainment shows. It gives an extra dimension and blends with the concept.”
Every year, KBC has a new theme. This year, it’s about determination/ self belief. The themes take inspiration from life. “The internal creative team at Sony decides the themes and, of course, Mr Bachchan has views about it, which adds value,” says Sheshkumar, adding that the team goes through a three-tier audition process and based on the kind of contestants and their stories, a theme is decided. “This year, it’s about people who have gone through hardships but stood by their beliefs.”
Music directors Ajay-Atul have also reworked on the show’s iconic tune.
Directing a game show season after season isn’t an easy job. How does Sheshkumar manage to keep alive the freshness? He says that the biggest challenge is to innovate, create and execute. “For years, we are trying to innovate, research so that we bring something new yet not disturb the sanctity of the show. KBC is a mixed format show that comes from the West. We try to get soulful stories, absolutely knowledgeable contestants who have a goal to accomplish,” says Sheshkumar. The contestants are selected after they pass general knowledge test. He adds that those watching the show should be touched by certain aspects of the contestants — their knowledge, personality or story.
The ‘Ghar Baithe Jeeto Jackpot’ (question of the day), which they started three years back, has brought a new dimension to the game. “Many people started playing along and have won prizes too. Also, augmented reality or computer graphics, cameras and looks are enhanced every season,” he says. But how do they keep true to the show’s original format and help bring in an Indian flavour as well? “We have kept the main structure of the show intact. There are 15 questions but in India it’s 16, which is the Rs 7 crore question. It’s the highest prize money in the world so it’s a proud moment for us.”
There is no denying that Amitabh Bachchan is the face of the show and he has taken it to greater heights. Sheshkumar says that the legendary actor brings soul to the show. “The way he interacts with contestants and brings out their stories bring all the emotions to the show. That said, it isn’t very difficult because India is an emotional country and the moment two people come in contact and their hearts connect, you get stories automatically,” he says.
Ask him the experience of working with Big B and he replies, “I am too small a person to talk about him. Having said that, for a fan like me it has been a delightful journey to having worked with him. It has also been a learning experience. I have learnt to be a perfectionist, punctual and I am also passionate about my work.”
Not many know that Sheshkumar has been working in TV for 14 years and has directed more than 80 reality shows including Satyamev Jayate, Jhalak Dikhla Ja, India’s Got Talent, Comedy Circus, Nach Baliye and others.
Ask him what makes the genre so popular in India? “I don’t think it’s restricted to reality shows, fictional shows also work. The only advantage of reality shows is that you get to see newer talent and meet someone like you sitting across the screen who you can connect with because your story could be similar.”
