Kaun Banega Borepati? : Shah Rukh Khan, “Mein Hoon Na”

Before I begin, I would like to set the record straight here. I am not a Shah Rukh Khan fan – The only film of his that I watched without cribbing and cursing myself was Swades. But before you base your judgment on my opinion of King Khan’s anchoring skills, here is another fact I am not fond of Mr. Bachchan either.

However when you talk about Kaun Banega Crorepati, undoubtedly the most popular game show ever to hit the Indian television screen, the TRP ranking peaked only because of one man – Amitabh Bachchan.

If you look at the state of things when Big B started off with the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, he was on the verge of a disastrous career end that was unimaginable in Bollywood. In box office terms, the one-time Superstar was nothing but a sore thumb. But with KBC we were acquainted with the common man’s man. The show did not require him to act, he was not required to imitate; he just had to be himself. And that’s what I liked about him and KBC.

To me he came across as a man with a perfect balance between sophistication and humility (maybe previous failures made him realize that he is after all not invincible). His awesome voice, near perfect pronunciations, witty humor and above all his non-bookish catch-phrases like “Lock kiya jaye” and the smirky “Are you sure?” – All of these factors and so much more made watching KBC an exhilarating week-night watch.

We, the people accepted Amitabh Bachchan as Amitabh Bachchan and nothing else.

But all of this was then; in 2007 with the third season of KBC our small screen is greeted by a new host. And once again not any ordinary Tom, Dick or Harry as the host but the most popular Khan of Bollywood – Mr. Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh’s current box-office status is completely contrary to what Amitabh’s was during his KBC days. Even if his films lack originality, a story, an acceptable performance – still in all probability the film’s financiers are likely to recover their invested funds. Such is his authority at home and the overseas markets. With many Bollywood awards for his acting and umpteen number of live-stage performances under his belt, one would think being an anchor on KBC 3 would be like walking on rose petals for him.

So when last night Shah Rukh re-appeared on television, did he make a positive impression?

Without any hesitation, my reply would be “Dude in no freaking way”.

No No! Wait a minute, I have my reasons.

Firstly a sophisticated show like KBC does not require an over-the-top, gangsta-kind of music video. I hope this was just a one-off stint and not a regular deal because believe me, my boss at work is enough to give a headache during working hours. As a side note, I was wondering if King Khan is trying to hit two birds with one stone with this lackluster video – hint, the video appears to be a cheap imitation of Abhishek’s Bluffmaster stint.

Secondly, Shah Rukh has time and again proven that the reason why he is successful is because he is a director’s actor. But this is a live-game show which does not work on a pre-designed script and dialogue sheet. In spite of being known for his intelligent repartees and witty sense of humor, the man failed miserably in the one hour of air time. I mean, for mama’s sake what’s the deal with “I won’t lock, I’ll freeze” and “Kachcha-Pakka”. Oh! And constant smirky expressions. Somebody please hand him some dialogues prepared by anyone else but the man himself. Plus I feel he needs voice modulation classes real bad.

And last but not the least, the renowned actor appears to be over-exerting himself. Why can’t he just be himself? Or is it an in-built reaction, once the director shouts “Lights, Camera, Action!”. Agreed, he is trying to add his own two bits but I don’t think giving “high fives” and massages to his contestants is the correct approach.

His anchoring abilities completely lacked class and stylishness despite of him wearing a jazzy suit designed by his buddy Karan Johar. Then again, isn’t it often said “You can take the man out the actor but you can’t take the actor out of the man”.

Now all these negative views are barring my thoughts on King Khan’s way-too many KBC promos and hyped-up publicity stunts, where the famous star appears to be begging the public to watch his TV show.

Maybe this time it’s not the audience but Shah Rukh Khan himself guilty of comparing his abilities with the master-anchor Amitabh Bachchan way too seriously.