Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor known for his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema, has not only set the silver screen ablaze but has also made a significant mark in television. When he ventured into television as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the Indian adaptation of the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, it was a moment that redefined his career and the landscape of Indian television. With the show now in its Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 season telecasting from Monday to Friday at 9 pm, fans are eager to know how much Amitabh Bachchan charges for his hosting duties.
Back in 2000, when Amitabh Bachchan first accepted the offer to host Kaun Banega Crorepati, it was during a challenging phase in his career. His decision to step into the world of television was seen as a bold move, one that eventually turned out to be a game-changer. Despite initial scepticism, Big B’s charismatic presence and commanding screen presence quickly made KBC one of India’s most beloved reality shows.
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Amitabh Bachchan began his journey as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati with a fee of ₹25 lakh per episode for the first two seasons. During the third season, however, due to health issues, he was temporarily replaced by Shah Rukh Khan. Despite SRK’s popularity, fans eagerly demanded Bachchan’s return and he made a triumphant comeback. From the 4th and 5th seasons, his fee increased to ₹50 lakh per episode, and by the 7th and 8th seasons, he was reportedly earning ₹1.5-₹2 crore per episode.
The 9th season saw another significant rise in his fee, with Big B charging ₹2.9 crore per episode. By the 10th season, this amount had further increased to ₹3 crore per episode. Since then, his fee has steadily climbed, with reports suggesting that he now charges between ₹4 to ₹6 crore per episode for Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. While these figures have not been officially confirmed, they underscore the immense value that Amitabh Bachchan brings to the show. His association with KBC has become iconic, and his fee reflects his unmatched status in the industry.
Even at the age of 80, Amitabh Bachchan continues to inspire millions with his relentless work ethic and dedication. His ability to captivate audiences, whether on the big screen or television, remains unparalleled.
On the film front, Amitabh Bachchan recently garnered attention for his portrayal of Lord Ashwathama in Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated film Kalki 2898 AD. Additionally, he is set to make his Tamil debut with Vettaiyan, starring alongside Rajinikanth and Fahadh Faasil. He also has Ribhudas Gupta’s courtroom drama Section 84 in the pipeline.