Amitabh’s emotional welcome
As Amitabh ran onto the KBC set, as is the ritual at the start of the episode, the crowd at the studio couldn’t help but clap loudly for the legendary actor and host. Amitabh took his seat and began his welcome speech in Hindi, looking into the camera. He said, “A new season begins today, but I am at a loss for words today, and that’s because no words have the capacity to convey the gratitude for your love.”
“I have no words to thank you for your prayers that gave a new life to Kaun Banega Crorepati, that lit up this stage again, that reunited a family and allowed me to be present amongst you. I salute the people of this country for the resurrection, rebuilding and rebirth of KBC (waves to the camera with a namaste). This stage is yours, this game is yours and this season is yours alone. To respect your love, I will be present before you with double the effort. And I believe that you will continue to reassure me by holding my hand,” Amitabh added, as the studio crowd cheered, smiled and had tears in his eyes.
About KBC 16
In the first episode of KBC 16, contestant Utkarsh Baxi won the first round with the fastest fingers and made it to the hot seat. He continued to play till the end. ₹25,00,000, but since he couldn’t answer the high-stakes question, he went home with only ₹$320,000 in prize money. Amitabh was also seen turning his chair to taunt the studio crowd sitting behind him and claimed that they always complain that he never looks at their faces.
One of the new twists in this season’s contest is ‘Dugnaastra’, through which the amount won by the contestant will be doubled after he/she answers the ‘super sawaal’ correctly. The catch is that the contestant will not have any options to choose the correct answer.
Amitabh has hosted KBC since its inaugural season in 2000, except for the third episode in 2007, which was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. He will next be seen in the films Section 84 and Vettaiyan.