KBC: more than becoming a millionaire ....

Kaun Bangea Coreorpati (KBC), the Indian version of the popular television show Who Wants to be a Millionaire is back this season with more money and added glamour.

The host of the show, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, is a towering icon in India who has mesmerised Indians for almost four decades as a Bollywood super star.

Mr Bachchan, however, appears in a different avatar on the small screen. His sense of humour, humility and appreciation of the contestants and the audience at large makes him stand out as a truly inspirational ambassador of Indian ethos and values.

But the programme itself is great in many ways: over the years it has evolved in its style and content so much so that each new season is eagerly awaited. It provides a wholesome family entertainment and projects briefly stories from the lives of ordinary Indians.

Many of the contestants who participate in the programme narrate social issues that continue to haunt India. Dowry, child foeticide and infanticide, and abysmal state of education are some of the issues that have been referred in first week of the game.

 What is really commendable is the work and commitment of these unknown individuals who try to make a difference in their societies.  Mr Bachchan’s empathy with the causes gives these individuals a greater leverage to carry their mission forward.

 KBC also highlights the hardships of ordinary individuals for many of whom winning certain amount can make a huge difference to their lives. It also delves in the social fabric of the country knitting people from different regions and backgrounds.

The pulse of the programme is knowledge, but it also paints the essence of a multicultural society where it’s not the differences but the similarities of culture and value system that holds this massive nation together, and brings millions to watch this intelligent game show.

Indian television is often criticised for producing soaps that promote regressive values, KBC for once is a breather!