Amitabh Bachchan returns to host KBC Season 18, shoots from August 1
Synopsis
Amitabh Bachchan is back for KBC Season 18, with cameras rolling from 1 August at Film City, Mumbai. The new theme — 'Is Baar... Sochna Padega' — hints at a format that rewards reflection over reflex, a subtle but telling creative pivot for one of Indian television's most durable franchises.
Key Takeaways
Amitabh Bachchan begins shooting for KBC Season 18 on 1 August at Film City, Mumbai .
The season's theme is 'Is Baar...
Sochna Padega' , emphasising deliberate thinking over first-instinct answers.
Sony Entertainment Television has released a promo featuring Bachchan at a golf course to introduce the theme.
Bachchan has hosted KBC for all seasons except Season 3 , when Shah Rukh Khan stood in.
KBC is the official Hindi adaptation of the global Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is set to return as host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 18, with shooting scheduled to begin on 1 August at the specially designed set inside Mumbai's Film City. The 18th edition of the iconic quiz show arrives with the fresh theme 'Is Baar... Sochna Padega', signalling a new creative approach to the long-running franchise.
The New Season's Theme
Sony Entertainment Television recently unveiled a promo featuring Bachchan at a picturesque golf course, drawing a parallel between the sport and life's decision-making. The theme encourages contestants — and viewers — to pause and reflect before committing to an answer, a departure from the instinct-first approach often rewarded in competitive quiz formats.
In the promo, Bachchan says: 'Bachpan main humein sikhaya gaya tha ki jo pehle jawab de, sabse sahi wahi hai. Lekin zindagi mein kai baar, pehla jawab hi sahi nahi hota. Toh is baar KBC mein, jawab dene se pehle khud ko zara rokna padega. Nahi samjhe? Is baar... sochna padega.' ('As children, we were taught that the one who answers first is right. But in life, many a time, the first answer isn't the right one. So this time on KBC, before giving your answer, you'll have to pause for a moment. Didn't get it? This time... you'll have to think.')
Big B's Unbroken Bond With KBC
Bachchan has hosted KBC for virtually its entire run, with the sole exception being Season 3, during which Shah Rukh Khan stepped in as host. His return for a 18th season cements one of Indian television's most enduring host-show associations, spanning more than two decades.
About the Format
Kaun Banega Crorepati is the official Hindi adaptation of the global Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise. Contestants face multiple-choice questions of escalating difficulty and may use a set of lifelines when uncertain. The show has remained one of Sony Entertainment Television's flagship properties, consistently drawing large primetime audiences.
What to Expect This Season
The 'Sochna Padega' theme suggests potential format tweaks that reward deliberation over speed — though the network has not yet detailed specific rule changes. With shooting beginning 1 August, the season is expected to air later in 2025. Audiences and industry watchers will be looking to see how the creative refresh translates on screen.
Point of View
A quiz show that valorises pause and reflection is positioning itself against the cultural grain. Whether that translates into a genuine rule change or remains a promotional hook will determine if Season 18 has a story beyond the launch promo.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does KBC Season 18 start shooting?
Amitabh Bachchan begins shooting for KBC Season 18 on 1 August at the specially designed set inside Film City, Mumbai. An on-air premiere date has not yet been officially announced.
What is the theme of KBC Season 18?
The theme for Season 18 is 'Is Baar... Sochna Padega,' which translates broadly to 'This time, you'll have to think.' It encourages contestants to pause and reflect before answering, rather than going with their first instinct.
Who has hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati?
Amitabh Bachchan has hosted KBC for its entire run except Season 3, during which Shah Rukh Khan served as host. Bachchan's return for Season 18 continues his long-standing association with the show.
What is Kaun Banega Crorepati based on?
KBC is the official Hindi adaptation of the international Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise. Contestants answer multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty and can use lifelines if they are unsure of an answer.
On which channel does KBC air?
Kaun Banega Crorepati airs on Sony Entertainment Television, where it has been one of the network's flagship primetime properties for over two decades.
