GECs
‘KBC’ re-run to test waters for Bachchan’s return to Star
MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan is returning to Star Plus.
The channel, which plans to bring the superstar back to the small screen early in 2002, is testing the waters with a re-run of the best of Kaun Banega Crorepati episodes beginning 6 September. If the repeat series, made innovative with interactivity, clicks it could well herald a second season of KBC on the channel. Even if it doesn’t, Star already has a new game show, with Bachchan as host, readied for a 2003 launch.
Industry sources say UK-based Chatterbox has already developed a novel game show format with Bachchan envisaged as the anchor and hefty prize money involved. However, Star is yet to take a call on whether it should revive KBC in a new format in early 2003 or go for the show that Chatterbox has ready. The response to the KBC re-run should provide the answer to Star’s dilemma.
The re-run KBC series, that will air every Friday at 8 pm, is intended to whet viewer apetite and rekindle interest in the show that bid au revoir to viewers in the first week of January 2002. The 14-episode series will showcase notable moments, celebrities and jackpot winning participants and will also turn interactive, giving viewers the chance to win prize money by SMSing answers before Bachchan locks them on the show.
Star has tied up with Escorts-promoted CellNext Solutions, which will provide instant interaction between the game show and its viewers through various mobile operators’ networks. The channel has also tied up with all major cellular operators to set up an infrastructure for this interactive format. Star plans to deploy interactive televiewing to its entire bouquet in the coming months via SMS, Star COO Sameer Nair told mediapersons in Delhi on Tuesday. Some of the key offerings from the service include participation on shows/contests, astrology, song requests, bidding and so on.
Nair told mediapersons in Delhi yesterday that the SMS ploy would be employed for the new series as well. “The interactivity through SMS will bring viewers much closer to our network,” he has been quoted as saying.
Bachchan is still contracted to Star for 85 more episodes of KBC, so Star has the option of giving him a fresh innings in the show that brought him (and Star Plus) back into the reckoning or going in for a totally new format show.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
