Sunny Deol on KBC Season 18: Amitabh asks why it took 18 years
Synopsis
Sunny Deol's first-ever KBC appearance — after 18 seasons — came with a confession: he was 'scared' of the show. His banter with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan on the Season 18 premiere promo is the talk of Bollywood, and the real draw is what brought him there: a Partition epic that also marks Preity Zinta's screen comeback after eight years.
Key Takeaways
Sunny Deol made his debut appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati in its 18th season , his first in the show's history.
Amitabh Bachchan asked Deol on air why it took 18 seasons to appear; Deol said he was 'scared of the show.' Aamir Khan noted he has appeared on KBC 6-7 times , prompting Deol's quip: 'He doesn't think, I do.' Both actors are promoting Batwara 1947 , a Partition-era drama also starring Shabana Azmi , Preity G Zinta , Ali Fazal , and Abhimanyu Singh .
The film marks Preity Zinta's return to the screen after an eight-year gap .
KBC Season 18 premiered on 10 August on Sony Entertainment Television .
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan turned the spotlight on fellow actor Sunny Deol during a light-hearted exchange on the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), asking him point-blank why it took 18 seasons to finally make an appearance on the iconic quiz show. The promo, shared by the channel on Instagram on 10 August, has already sparked buzz ahead of the season premiere.
The Moment That Caught Everyone's Attention
In the promo clip, Amitabh Bachchan addressed Sunny Deol directly: 'Sunny, I want to ask you something. This is the 18th season. What were you doing for so long? Why didn't you join us?' Deol's candid reply was disarming: 'I was very scared of the show. I had to think.'
The exchange drew a quick interjection from Aamir Khan, who noted he had appeared on the show 6-7 times. Deol's comeback — 'He doesn't think, I do' — brought the house down. The channel's Instagram caption summed it up: 'Computer ji, lock this fun conversation and legendary moment!'
Why Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan Are on KBC
Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan are appearing on KBC Season 18 to promote their upcoming film Batwara 1947. The period drama, led by Sunny Deol, features an ensemble cast including Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key roles.
Based on the recently released trailer, the film centres on a family whose lives unravel amid violence, fear, and forced migration — themes drawn from the turbulent backdrop of Partition. The project is believed to be a cinematic adaptation of playwright Asghar Wajahat's celebrated drama Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai — a Punjabi phrase that translates roughly to: 'Visiting Lahore is so fundamental that if you do not come here, it is as if you have not even been born.'
Preity Zinta's Long-Awaited Screen Return
Batwara 1947 also marks the return of Preity G Zinta to Hindi cinema after an eight-year absence, making the film one of the more anticipated releases of the season. Her appearance in the trailer has drawn considerable attention from fans and industry observers alike.
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 for virtually its entire run — the sole exception being Season 3, when Shah Rukh Khan stepped in as host. Contestants answer multiple-choice questions across escalating difficulty levels, aided by lifelines when in doubt.
The first episode of KBC Season 18 premiered on 10 August on Sony Entertainment Television, with the Batwara 1947 team's appearance among its most-anticipated segments.
Point of View
Even for stars who have long resisted the format. That it took a prestige Partition drama to finally get him on the hot seat says something about how seriously the industry is positioning Batwara 1947. Preity Zinta's eight-year absence and her return for this specific project adds another layer: the film is being built as an event, not just a release. Whether the KBC bump translates to box-office momentum will be the real test.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sunny Deol take 18 seasons to appear on KBC?
Sunny Deol said he was 'scared of the show' and needed time to think before agreeing to appear. He made his debut on Kaun Banega Crorepati in its 18th season, prompted by the promotion of his upcoming film Batwara 1947.
What is Batwara 1947 about?
Batwara 1947 is a Partition-era period drama centred on a family whose lives are torn apart by violence, fear, and forced migration. It is reportedly based on playwright Asghar Wajahat's celebrated drama Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai.
Who stars in Batwara 1947?
The film stars Sunny Deol in the lead role, alongside Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key roles.
Why is Preity Zinta's appearance in Batwara 1947 significant?
Batwara 1947 marks Preity Zinta's return to Hindi cinema after an eight-year absence from the screen, making it one of the more closely watched releases among fans.
When did KBC Season 18 premiere and where can it be watched?
KBC Season 18 premiered on 10 August on Sony Entertainment Television. Amitabh Bachchan hosts the show, as he has for all seasons except Season 3, when Shah Rukh Khan filled in.
