`KBC` in India is synonymous with Big B, says Sachin Khedekar

Mumbai: Actor Sachin Khedekar, who has been roped in to host the Marathi version of `Kaun Banega Crorepati` (KBC), is excited but also nervous about stepping into the shoes of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the host of the popular TV quiz show in Hindi for several seasons. Khedekar, who is a veteran of Marathi films, has also done Hindi movies like `Astitva`, `Singham` and remake version of `Agneepath`. "When I got this opportunity there was no question of saying no. Rather I was happy to accept the offer. It is a huge honour to do the popular show in Marathi. But it is also a challenge," he told reporters in an interview here. `KBC` is an Indian reality game show based on the UK game show `Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The show, first aired in 2000, was hosted by Bachchan, who also made his maiden appearance on small screen. Big B also hosted the second season of the show, which became a rage. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was roped in for the third edition. But Big B returned to anchor the show with its fourth season and has been doing so till its sixth season, which ended in January this year. "I am a huge admirer of Mr Amitabh Bachchan. I am happy but nervous as well about stepping into Mr Bachchan`s shoes. KBC is synonymous with Mr Bachchan. There is pressure as I would be doing the Marathi version of the show. There is a huge responsibility on me," Khedekar said. "I am trying not to get bogged down by any kind of pressure. I would be happy if I could manage to do even ten per cent of what Mr Bachchan did in KBC." The actor is hoping to meet Big B in a week or two and said he is in awe of the megastar`s suave style, charisma and the way he makes the contestants feel comfortable. "I have watched all the six seasons of KBC. I will do the show in my style and follow the norms of the show ? to make the contestants feel comfortable yet maintain that dignity and strictness of the show intact. It is indeed challenging (to host the show)," he said. `Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati` will go on air next month. The show will be the first one in history of Marathi television to provide contestants an opportunity to win Rs 1 crore prize money by correctly answering 15 questions. `KBC`, which has a prize money of Rs 5 crore, has gripped the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide and produced some crorepatis and numerous lakhpatis since its launch when it took the Indian TV by storm. Khedekar felt the game show will attract a large number of contestants who are comfortable in the regional language. "With this show, I want to offer my fellow Maharashtrians a chance to win Rs 1 crore on the basis of local language and global knowledge. I think people will get attracted to this version of KBC as there are people who feel comfortable in their regional language," he said. The show to be telecast from Monday to Thursday on ETV Marathi, will go air from May 6. PTI