Set designer Varsha Jain has revealed that building the grand amphitheatre-style arena for the upcoming reality show 'India Ke Top 1%' — hosted by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor — was a months-long endeavour that pushed the boundaries of television production design in India. The show is scheduled to premiere on 19 September on Star Plus and JioHotstar at 8 PM.

Months of Searching, Then a Month of Building

According to Jain, the production team spent nearly two to three months scouting and evaluating locations before finally zeroing in on the right space. Once the venue was locked, an additional month of intensive construction followed, with hundreds of crew members working around the clock to bring the vision to life.

'Creating the set of India Ke Top 1% has been an incredibly exciting and creatively satisfying experience. To give the show a premium, larger-than-life feel, we explored multiple options for almost two to three months before finalizing this space. It then took us another month, along with the hard work of hundreds of people, to build the entire arena. Every element has been carefully designed and handcrafted down to the finest detail,' Jain said.

Design Philosophy: Futuristic Yet Welcoming

Jain explained that while the set is technologically advanced, the core design intent was to ensure it never felt cold or intimidating. The team deliberately balanced scale with warmth, aiming for an environment where contestants from vastly different backgrounds would feel comfortable.

'We wanted the set to feel glossy and futuristic, but also warm, fun and inviting. For me, the individual status lighting, which changes with each contestant's journey, and the circular LED floor, which brings the gameplay and percentage levels alive, are the biggest highlights. Despite the scale and technology, the set never feels intimidating, and that balance is what makes it truly special,' she added.

Key Technical Features of the Arena

The set is engineered for both spectacle and functionality. The arena features 100 individual tablets — one for each contestant — allowing participants to play in either Hindi or English. Large screens are positioned throughout to keep everyone connected with the live action unfolding on the floor.

Cameras have been placed to cover every corner of the set, reportedly leaving no blind spots. The centrepiece is a circular LED floor that dynamically displays gameplay graphics and shifting percentage levels as contestants inch closer to the coveted Top 1% threshold.

Who Will Compete on the Show

The show is designed to cut across social and professional categories, bringing together students, homemakers, shopkeepers, YouTubers, magicians, and real estate agents on a single platform. The diversity of contestants is central to the show's premise — testing knowledge and wit regardless of background or occupation.

Premiere and Platform Details

Anil Kapoor, making his debut as a reality show host, leads the production. 'India Ke Top 1%' premieres on 19 September at 8 PM on Star Plus and streams simultaneously on JioHotstar. With its scale, technology, and cross-section of contestants, the show is shaping up as one of the more ambitious reality formats on Indian television this season.