Shah Rukh Gets Twice As Much As Bachchan
admin December 10th, 2006
Mega superstar Shah Rukh Khan has signed a two-year contract with Star TV to be the new host of Kaun Banega Crorepati’s next two seasons to be aired on Star Plus. According to sources, the actor will apparently be paid Rs 280 crore for doing so.
While the previous host, Amitabh Bachchan, reportedly received Rs 140-160 crore for 390 episodes.
As per the show’s new format, Shah Rukh will host about 102-120 episodes, which would see him banking Rs 2.5 to Rs 2.75 crore per episode. According to industry insiders, the actor currently gets Rs 5-7 crore per film.
Siddharth Basu’s Synergy Communications produces KBC, and Star has the copyright to the show. However, it’s not surprising that Sameer Nair, chief operating officer, Star India Network, refused to disclose figures.
“I cannot comment on the amount offered to Shah Rukh. It is not five but a two-year deal with an option to extend to three years,” said Nair.
“I cannot comment on that (Khan will get more than Bachchan) but suffice to say…the
amount is more than adequate,” said Nair laughing.
There was a bidding war for Khan between Star and Zee. The latter was also in talks with
Shah Rukh for a show but apparently lost out as Star outbid them.
Said Nair, “Zee was in talks with Shah Rukh for a show last year but nothing had been lined up for this year. Star was the only one in talks with Shah Rukh this year. We had a
specific job – someone to host KBC – and we have found him in Shah Rukh.”
Some people feel that the SRK-KBC deal was a bit sudden, however, that’s not the case. “It appears that way but we have been aware of it since July. Bachchan had expressed his disinterest in doing the show in July. I understand his feelings. We are indebted to him.
We wanted to convince him to continue, but in October he finally told us he would not be
able to do. That is when we approached Shah Rukh.”
“We were talking with Celador of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (the format is owned and
licenced by the British production company), for the licence of KBC for the third
trimester. This time it will be for five seasons with only 52-60 episodes per year, whereas
last time we had a blanket run of 390 episodes.”
So, why did Star pick Shah Rukh after Bachchan? “Who better than Shah Rukh to pick up from where Amitji left? Shah Rukh brings with him enthusiasm, intelligence, wit and energy. He is very kicked about doing the show,” added Nair.
Amount Shah Rukh Khan would get for KBC over two years – 280cr
Amount Amitabh Bachchan got from KBC for 390 episodes – 140cr
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