Kaun Banega Crorepati 18: Amitabh Bachchan gets relief from 24-hour work grind
Synopsis
Amitabh Bachchan has revealed he was working virtually round the clock before KBC 18 began — and that the show's launch on Sony Entertainment Television finally gave him room to breathe. His candid Tumblr post, combined with a rap-song debut for the season promo, underscores how the 18th edition is positioning itself to stay culturally relevant.
Key Takeaways
Amitabh Bachchan disclosed on his Tumblr blog that his pre-KBC schedule stretched from 7 am to 7 am the next day — effectively 24-hour working days.
The launch of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 on Sony Entertainment Television provided him a much-needed break.
The first episode of KBC 18 premiered on 10 August .
Bachchan features in a promotional rap track titled 'Sochna Padega' ahead of the new season.
KBC is the Hindi adaptation of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise; Bachchan has hosted every season except the third, when Shah Rukh Khan filled in.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has revealed that the launch of the 18th season of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) on Sony Entertainment Television has offered him a welcome respite from a punishing work schedule that reportedly stretched across full 24-hour days.
Big B's Own Words
Writing on his Tumblr blog, Bachchan apologised to readers for his prolonged absence from regular posts. 'Apologies for this wierd numbering and the missed Blogs..The work hours and the intensity of work just did not give me time to get to connect..so am extremely sorry!' he wrote.
He elaborated: 'Work hours were stretching from 7am in the morning to almost 7am the next day..days of 24 hrs work..commitments are commitments and must have preference over any other..time sleep food et al.'
KBC 18 Launch Brings Relief
The veteran actor described the season premiere as a turning point, noting: 'But a break today as KBC 18th season with Sony does a start..and one can only pray..I shall be with you in the regularity as before..but let me organise, or rather let me re organise my system and we shall be in correct connect…my love and my admiration.'
The first episode of KBC 18 premiered on 10 August on Sony Entertainment Television, marking the start of what is one of Indian television's longest-running and most-watched properties.
A Pop-Culture Reinvention
Ahead of this season, Bachchan appeared in a bold new avatar in the rap track 'Sochna Padega', created to promote KBC 18. The move signals a deliberate effort by the makers to connect the show with younger, digitally-native audiences while retaining its mass appeal.
About Kaun Banega Crorepati
Kaun Banega Crorepati is the official Hindi adaptation of the global Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise. Amitabh Bachchan has hosted the show across virtually its entire run — the sole exception being its third season, when actor Shah Rukh Khan stepped in as host. Contestants face multiple-choice questions across escalating prize tiers and are provided lifelines to use when uncertain. The show has consistently ranked among the most-watched programmes on Indian television since its debut.
With KBC 18 now underway, audiences and fans will be watching whether the new season can sustain the franchise's strong viewership record amid growing competition from streaming platforms.
Point of View
And that retaining cultural relevance now requires meeting younger viewers on their own terms. Whether the format itself evolves to match that energy, or simply borrows its aesthetic, will determine how long the franchise sustains its dominance against streaming alternatives.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 premiere?
KBC Season 18 premiered on 10 August on Sony Entertainment Television. Amitabh Bachchan hosts the show, as he has for all seasons except the third.
What did Amitabh Bachchan say about his work schedule before KBC 18?
Bachchan wrote on his Tumblr blog that his work hours were stretching from 7 am to nearly 7 am the following day — amounting to 24-hour working days. He said the KBC 18 launch gave him a much-needed break from that intensity.
What is 'Sochna Padega' and how is it linked to KBC 18?
'Sochna Padega' is a promotional rap track featuring Amitabh Bachchan in a pop-culture avatar, created ahead of KBC Season 18. It is part of the show's marketing campaign to connect with younger audiences.
Who has hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati over the years?
Amitabh Bachchan has hosted KBC for its entire run except Season 3, during which Shah Rukh Khan served as host. Bachchan returned from Season 4 onwards and has remained the face of the franchise since.
What is the format of Kaun Banega Crorepati?
KBC is the Hindi adaptation of the global Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise. Contestants answer multiple-choice questions across escalating prize tiers and can use lifelines when unsure of an answer.
