Kaun banega quizzer?

Who can forget Bachchan’s introduction on the phone-a-friend helpline? “Mein Amitabh Bachchan hoon Kaun Banega Crorepati se,” he’d announce dramatically in his booming baritone and pause, knowing the inevitable reaction of surprise and stuttering that would follow. His awe-inspiring presence made the whole business of winning a crore a serious affair. Khan, meanwhile, has very wisely decided to be himself. He raps in several languages, joshes the contestants, gives them pet names and, when they lose, takes off his watch and presents it to them. If the show works, it will be because viewers want to get to know the energetic Khan, close and personal.

However, even his magical ability to connect cannot change the fact that there’s definitely some format fatigue. Audiences have been exposed to later shows like Indian Idol and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, which created stars who made not just money, but kick-started fabulous careers in entertainment. Reality TV has caught on. Though initial reports suggest Star Plus’s market share has doubled since Monday, it’ll be tough for viewers to keep up a daily enthusiasm for KBC. But for lazy quizzers like myself, who’ll never make it past the fastest-finger-first, it still has a distinct appeal.