New Delhi: Heartfelt farewells often signify the end of an era, especially when it involves a television icon like Amitabh Bachchan concluding his tenure on a show as beloved as Kaun Banega Crorepati. The nation’s revered ‘Big B’ became visibly emotional as he announced his departure from the 15th season of the show.
Sony TV’s Instagram handle captured this poignant moment when Amitabh Bachchan addressed the audience for one last time: “Devi aur sajjano, ab hum jaa rahe aur kal se yeh manch ab nahi sajega. Apno se yeh keh pana ki kal se hum yahan nahi aa payenge, na kehne ki himmat hoti aur na kehne ka mann hota hai (Ladies and gentleman, now it’s time to go, and from tomorrow, this stage will not be adorned like before. It’s hard to muster the courage to tell our loved ones that we won’t return here from tomorrow).”
The shared clip quickly became a digital sensation, with legions of fans pouring out love and nostalgia. Comments ranged from “KBC means Amitabh Bachchan sir..” to “Aap jldi hi vapas aayenge, intezar rahega [We’ll be waiting for your return].” and praises like “This is a Legendary era, with legendary personalities & their legendary works, works that will be immortalized forever everafter…,” illustrating the depth of impact Big B has had on his audience.
In the twilight of the show’s current season, Amitabh Bachchan made his heartfelt expression of departure. “Main Amitabh Bachchan iss daur ke liye, iss manch se akhri baar kehne jaa raha hu, shubraatri (For the last time I am bidding you all goodbye from this era, this stage, goodnight),” he said, underlining the melancholy of the moment.
Embarking on the KBC journey in the year 2000, Amitabh Bachchan has been the face of the show, instilling wisdom and delight in the hearts of millions. It was but in the third season in 2006 that the megastar stepped aside, only to have Bollywood’s other luminary, Shah Rukh Khan, fill in the role of host. The audience, however, resonated noticeably less with SRK’s style, reaffirming Big B’s unparalleled connection with the viewers.
As one chapter closes, another awaits: Amitabh Bachchan is set to appear on the silver screen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, a science fiction action thriller film. The cinematic endeavor which also stars Deepika Padukone and Prabhas is slated for release in January 2024. Fans of courtroom drama can anticipate seeing Bachchan in ‘Section 84’, a film that will further explore his acting prowess.
Over the decades, Amitabh Bachchan’s illustrious career from an actor to a host has been nothing short of remarkable. Kaun Banega Crorepati has gained a cult status largely attributed to Bachchan’s charm, wit, and the grace with which he conducted each episode. It’s this very demeanor that has cemented him as not just a celebrity, but a cherished household name.
The cultural impact of Amitabh Bachchan and his tenure on KBC cannot be understated. The show, adapted from the British program ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’, has become a platform not just for entertainment but for education, inspiration, and the dreams of many aspiring to greater heights.
As the audience contemplates the void that Big B’s absence might leave on this iconic show, they are consoled by the vast body of his work and the promising lineup of his future cinematic projects. While the spotlight dims on his role as KBC’s host; it brightens elsewhere, promising to deliver more of the charisma and talent audiences worldwide have come to adore in this legendary figure of Indian cinema and television.
