Latest news with #KBC
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Ad review: KBC's new campaign gives knowledge its swagger—and India its voice
Mumbai: As Kaun Banega Crorepati turns 25, it's not just marking time; it's evolving with it. The new campaign for Season 17, titled Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai (Where there is wisdom, there is swag) is a lesson in how legacy brands can reinvent themselves without losing their soul. What was once a celebration of hope is now a statement of earned confidence. Knowledge, it tells us, isn't just something to be respected, it's something to own, with pride and presence. Directed by filmmaker Vikas Bahl and anchored by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, the campaign unfolds over three sharply scripted ad films. Each features an everyday Indian reclaiming dignity using intellect, not aggression, not influence, not wealth, but pure presence of mind. The spots are smart, emotionally layered and refreshingly bold. In the first, a restaurant manager calmly shuts down a group of entitled youngsters mocking her for delayed food. When one sarcastically asks if the chef has gone to China to bring Manchurian, she hits back with wit and fact, telling them it isn't even Chinese to begin with, and firmly calls out their rudeness. In another film, a brash man boasting about his power inside a bank is corrected by a tea vendor who knows the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita—the revamped Indian Penal Code—and reminds him that threatening public officials is a jailable offence. The third ad sees a humble salesman being asked to leave a rich man's drawing room for 'dirtying" an imported rug, only for him to reveal it's synthetic and offer better, locally made alternatives, before casually handing the host ₹10 for medicine and ₹1 as shagun, a blessing. Each film ends with Bachchan watching from the sidelines, smiling as he utters the now-signature line: Jahaan akal hai, wahan akad hai. The phrase is key. It signals a clear shift in the show's tone. For most of its journey since 2000, KBC has celebrated the power of knowledge in soft, empathetic ways. Early campaigns like Koi bhi insaan chhota nahi hota—essentially meaning everyone has capability to achieve something great—and Saraswati before Lakshmi leaned into humility, perseverance and upliftment. It was about aspiration. But India has changed—and so has its emotional temperature. This year's campaign acknowledges that. It taps into a more assertive, self-aware India. One where confidence isn't reserved for the privileged, and intellect isn't quiet. It wears its smarts on its sleeve, not to show off, but because it's earned it. There's a swagger, yes, but it's not hollow. The characters aren't brash; they're composed, dignified and sharp. The pride isn't in volume, it's in clarity. According to Vikas Bahl, 'It's not arrogance, but the belief that 'I can do it too' Bachchan himself describes it as a continuation of KBC's enduring theme: a celebration of knowledge and 'the quiet pride that comes with it." Only now, that quiet pride has found a louder, more confident voice. This tonal evolution couldn't be better timed. As KBC enters its 25th year, its continued relevance depends not just on format innovation but on how well it reflects the pulse of the country. And this campaign gets that pulse just right. It speaks to an India that's no longer content with seeking validation; it asserts its identity, its place, and most importantly, its intellect. The ads also work because they're cinematic yet grounded. They avoid preachiness, choosing instead to entertain while delivering strong undercurrents of social commentary. That's not easy to do in a 60-second spot. But by framing the underdog's knowledge as quiet rebellion and wrapping it in the familiarity of Amitabh Bachchan's voice, the campaign manages to be both massy and meaningful. It's also worth noting how KBC, as a brand, has grown in cultural equity over two and a half decades. What began as a high-stakes quiz show has become a mirror to India's changing aspirations. And with this campaign, it becomes a mirror to India's growing self-respect. There's no doubt that Big B's presence still anchors the show's credibility. But what's equally powerful is that in these ads, he's the observer, not the hero. The real heroes are the people. That shift, subtle but significant, sums up everything that's right about this campaign. Final take At a time when many long-running properties struggle to stay relevant, KBC has delivered a campaign that's not just timely, it's timeless. Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai reframes intellect as strength, dignity and confidence. It's a campaign that doesn't just promote a show, it captures the mood of a nation.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
World's most watched TV show is Indian, broke record with 8500000000 views, name is…, has an IMDb rating of…, not Friends, KBC, Anupamaa, Bigg Boss, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
World's most watched TV show is Indian, broke record with 8500000000 views, name is..., has an IMDb rating of..., not Friends, KBC, Anupamaa, Bigg Boss, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah India television has curated some classic television programs that have entertained viewers for many years. From mythological series to family dramas, Indian TV has offered wide range of shows, and some of them have even broke viewership record and built a massive fan following that span generations. Today, we will talk about one such show that has experienced massive success, as evident through its impressive TRP ratings! Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan was not just a show; it was an emotion, a shared devotion and a weekly ritual. When debuted in 1987, it quickly rose to the top of the Indian TV ratings charts. The show featured Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Deepika Chikhalia as Sita, and Arun Govil as Lord Ram. It also starred actors like Lalita Pawar as Manthara, Arvind Trivedi as Ravana and Dara Singh as Lotd Hanuman.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
₹1 crore savings and life is set? It is high time to relook at your age old middle class dream
'Ek crore ho gaya toh life set hai' -- This sentence has echoed across drawing rooms, chai stalls, the LIC agent brochures for decades and not to mention Amitabh Bachchan's deep voice emphasising the importance of 'ek crore' in Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in early 2000s. It was the ultimate middle-class milestone — the surefire way of making it big in life. But in 2025, that one-crore dream does not hold much water? It's more of a mirage than a milestone. Because by the time you say 'I've made it', inflation, EMIs, and real-life curveballs have already gatecrashed the party. Let's unmask the myth that ₹ 1 crore is enough and see why financial 'settling down' has become a moving goalpost. 1. Inflation is eating your money faster than you think: In the early 2000s, ₹ 1 crore could buy you a house, a car, and still leave enough for FD interest to run your household. But not today. In a city like Bangalore or Mumbai, this won't even get you a decent 2BHK house. Add to that 4-6% inflation, and your one crore will feel like ₹ 30–40 lakh in no time. Reality: The same ₹ 30 dosa is now ₹ 120, and that's just breakfast. 2. One medical emergency can wipe out your savings: Middle-class families are just one health scare away from financial turmoil. A decent cancer treatment, bypass surgery, or organ transplant costs ₹ 15–30 lakh. If your health cover is the standard ₹ 5 lakh from years ago, your savings become collateral damage. One ICU bill = Goodbye one crore. 3. Lifestyle inflation is real: Your lifestyle has levelled up, but have your savings kept pace? Kids in an international school: ₹ 3 lakh per year 3 lakh per year Dining out once a week : ₹ 3000 3000 Netflix + Hotstar + Amazon + Jio: ₹ 10,000/year 10,000/year Yearly vacation (even domestic): ₹ 80,000+ From iPhones to impulse Zomato orders, your crore can vanish without warning. 4. Job security is an illusion: And sadly, no private sector job is permanent anymore, not even in MNCs, IT, or startups. One recession, one restructuring, or one AI tool and boom – layoffs, pay cuts, or upskilling pressure. Ask any techie in their 40s — they've seen the axe fall. So if your plan was: 'Retire early, start a homestay in Goa' with that crore, it is better to rework the spreadsheet. 5. Children's education costs a fortune: Think ₹ 1 crore will help you chill post-retirement? Think again. A decent Indian private university will cost you ₹ 30–40 lakh. Foreign education? ₹ 1–1.5 crore easily. And this doesn't even include coaching fees, laptops, or hostel charges. So basically: one child = one crore. Why do we still worship this ₹ 1 crore figure? Because it feels big. It's a round, shiny number. But feelings don't beat facts. And in today's India, facts are brutal. Financial stability is no longer a destination. It's a continuous journey and ₹ 1 crore is just the petrol pump, not the finish line. Multiple income sources: Don't just rely on one job. Freelance, invest, rent out property — hustle smart, not just hard. Large emergency reserve: It is recommended to keep 6 to 12 months of expenses ready. One job loss shouldn't lead to moving into your parents' house. Health and life insurance: Get real coverage ₹ 25–50 lakh minimum for health. And no, your office insurance doesn't count when you're between the jobs. Smart investing: FDs won't save you. SIPs in mutual funds, index funds, NPS — that's where your money should be working overtime. Financial literacy: You don't need a full-fledged chartered accountancy qualification but you definitely must understand inflation, taxation, and compounding. Your financial future relies on it. Most middle-class Indians aren't financially stable, they're just financially suspended. One layoff, one surgery, one market crash and the whole 'life set hai" illusion collapses like a pack of cards. Ask yourself:If your income had stopped today, for how long would you live your current lifestyle? If your answer is less than 10–12 years — you're not 'settled.' You're playing financial Jenga, hoping the next brick doesn't topple everything. 'Life is stable only when money works for you in your sleep and your survival doesn't depend on active income.' So, the ₹ one crore dream isn't dead, it just needs an upgrade – perhaps to a bigger number. Add hustle, protection, awareness, and growth to it and then you're getting close to 'settled.'
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 new promo: Smriti Irani aka Tulsi returns with same ‘sansakaar' but with a modern twist. Watch
Actor Smriti Irani is returning as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 on July 29. On Friday, the makers released a new promo for the much-anticipated show. In the one-minute clip shared by Star Plus, Tulsi's core values and sanskaar remain unchanged, but her character has evolved with the times. Following the teaser's release on social media, nostalgic fans of KSBKBT flooded the comments section with love and excitement for the upcoming season. While dropping the new promo, the makers of the show wrote in the caption, 'Badalte waqt mein ek naye nazariye ke saath laut rahi hai Tulsi! Unke iss naye safar mein judne ke liye kya aap hain taiyyar? Dekhiye #KyunkiSaas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, 29th July se, raat 10:30 baje.' In the video, Smriti Irani's Tulsi Virani is seen walking through the iconic Virani house in Shanti Niketan, reflecting on the memories she created there as a mother, wife, and daughter-in-law. With the familiar theme music playing in the background, Tulsi is shown making a rangoli, looking at old family portraits, and reminiscing about the past with her husband, Mihir Virani. She also shares a few words of wisdom, emphasizing the enduring importance of family values. ALSO READ | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi didn't get a single hoarding, all the marketing was directed towards KBC': Sameer Nair Going by the promos, it looks like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 offers a fresh perspective. From Gomzi's shirt with his name printed on it to Tulsi working on a laptop and showcasing a more modern approach to life, the latest promo highlights several subtle but noticeable updates that have caught viewers' attention. Recently, Smriti Irani shared a heartwarming note on social media talking about the show. She wrote, '25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show—it was emotion, memory, ritual. A time when families paused everything to sit together… cry, laugh, hope. To every viewer who made Tulsi a part of their own family, thank you. This journey wasn't mine alone. It was ours. And it always will be.' In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani, alongside Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani, Hiten Tejwani as Karan Virani, and Gauri Pradhan as Nandini Virani. Additionally, Barkha Bisht has confirmed that she will be joining the cast of the show.
India.com
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Amitabh Bachchan becomes highest-paid TV host for KBC 17, earns Rs... per episode, leaves behind Salman Khan's Bigg Boss pay
Amitabh Bachchan's highly anticipated quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati is all set to premiere on August 11. KBC is one of the most loved shows on TV, not only because of the concept but also because of Amitabh Bachchan's charisma, his witty sense of humour, and his captivating hosting skills. The news is creating buzz not just for Big B's return as the iconic quiz host, but also for the hefty paycheck he's reportedly earning for the new season. Amitabh Bachchan Returns as Host of KBC? Amitabh Bachchan, who has been a constant part of KBC, has hosted the quiz show since 2000. Except for Season 3, which was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, the rest of the KBC seasons have witnessed Amitabh as its host. The show will premiere on August 11, 2025, and will air from Monday to Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. Amitabh Bachchan's Fee for Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 According to reports, Amitabh will earn Rs 5 crore per episode. With five episodes per week, the sum of five episodes comes to Rs 25 crore in a week. This massive paycheck reportedly makes him the highest-paid television host in India, surpassing Salman Khan, who earned Rs 12 crore per Weekend Ka Vaar episode on Bigg Boss OTT 2, despite filming only two episodes a week. Will This Be Amitabh Bachchan's Last KBC? Even before the show's release date was announced, many rumours made headlines that Amitabh might step aside as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati for personal reasons and that Salman Khan could replace him. With the news surfacing online, it came as a shock and disappointment for fans. However, to everyone's relief, Sony and Bachchan himself firmly debunked those rumours. Are you excited about Amitabh Bachchan's new season of KBC?
