MUMBAI: Star Plus registered a historic number of 15 million calls within 10 days from viewers seeking to enter Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 (KBC 2).

Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, KBC 2 on Star Plus will re-commence on 5 August with the grand prize doubling from Rs 10 million to Rs 20 million.

In partnership with the two leading telecom players in India, BSNL / MTNL and Airtel, Star Plus opened telephone lines since 6 June for potential participants to answer entry questions flashed on the channel at 9 pm every night. The 15 million calls were generated across the country with 23 per cent coming from the metros and the rest from small towns and cities.

Star India COO Sameer Nair said, "The number of calls have surpassed our expectations. Fifteen million calls in the first 10 days when the KBC 2 fever has just started is remarkable. What gives us immense satisfaction is that the small towns and metros have responded with equal enthusiasm."