KBC shoot halted a week amid Amitabh Bachchan health scare, old episodes air
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The shoot of Amitabh Bachchan's long-running quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has been suspended for over a week due to the veteran actor's health concerns, according to a source close to the production. The channel broadcasting the show has been re-airing select week-old episodes — including celebrity specials — as part of its Diwali special week programming to fill the slot.
What Led to the Halt
According to the source, Bachchan has not been keeping well, prompting the production team to temporarily stop filming new episodes. The last major celebrity episode to be shot featured actors Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Ravi Dubey, who appeared on the show to promote their upcoming film Ramayan.
That episode was originally planned to air closer to the film's theatrical release. However, given Bachchan's health situation, the scheduling had to be reworked. The channel instead used the Ramayan cast episode to kick off its Diwali special week, rather than holding it back for a later date.
When Will the Shoot Resume
The source indicated that filming is expected to resume from next week, but only subject to the actor's recovery. “The shoot will resume hopefully from next week but only if his health allows,” the source said. No official statement has been issued by the production house or the channel.
Bachchan's Own Words
In a blog post published on Saturday, Amitabh Bachchan himself alluded to a gradual return to normalcy, writing about “the gentle but slow return to routine and the controlled life... OF WORK... and the others.”
He also wrote warmly of his bond with his audience: “Never a searching for the connect on Blog... nor, the well wishers of each Sunday... nor, the KBC audience, who extend love affection and the sincerity of their warmth and endearing presence... my prayers for all.” The post, while not explicitly mentioning any specific ailment, was widely read by fans as confirmation that he had been unwell.
A Legacy Marked by Health Battles
Amitabh Bachchan's health has been a recurring concern for his millions of admirers. The most dramatic episode dates to 1982, when a mistimed blow during a fight sequence with actor Puneet Issar on the sets of the film Coolie caused a severe abdominal injury. He was reportedly declared clinically dead for a brief period and underwent multiple surgeries before recovering.
Bachchan has since described 2 August — the day he returned home after the accident — as his ‘second birthday’, repeatedly crediting his fans' prayers with giving him a second chance at life. His well-being continues to be closely watched by the public and media decades later.
Impact on KBC's Current Season
Kaun Banega Crorepati, which Bachchan has hosted across multiple seasons spanning over two decades, remains one of Indian television's highest-rated primetime properties. A prolonged absence of new episodes could affect the show's ratings momentum mid-season. With the Ramayan cast episode already aired and the Diwali special week under way, the channel's ability to sustain viewership will depend heavily on when fresh episodes can be delivered.
All eyes are now on Bachchan's recovery timeline, with the production team, the channel, and his fans hoping for a swift return to the sets.