Varun Dhawan reveals Amitabh Bachchan slept in vanity van for KBC punctuality
Synopsis
Varun Dhawan's throwback KBC anecdote paints a vivid picture of Amitabh Bachchan's work discipline — the megastar reportedly slept in his vanity van after a 1 AM shoot rather than go home, just to be punctual the next morning. Big B's own quip that he spends 18 hours a day on set made it even more telling. With KBC Season 18 arriving on 10 August, the story is a timely reminder of what keeps the franchise anchored.
Key Takeaways
Varun Dhawan revealed on KBC that Amitabh Bachchan slept in his vanity van after a 1 AM shoot to be on time the next morning.
Amitabh Bachchan joked he spends at least 18 hours a day in his vanity van and only 4-5 hours at home.
The exchange took place during a Diwali special episode of KBC, during which Bachchan also congratulated Varun on fatherhood.
KBC Season 18 is set to premiere on 10 August with the theme 'Sochna Padega' , focusing on logical reasoning over memorised knowledge.
Actor Varun Dhawan once shared a striking glimpse into Amitabh Bachchan's legendary work ethic during a guest appearance on the quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), revealing that the veteran star had chosen to sleep in his vanity van rather than go home — simply to ensure he arrived on set on time the next morning.
What Varun Dhawan Revealed
Before appearing on the show, Varun said he had done his homework on Bachchan's daily routine. 'I did some research. I asked someone that when does Mr. Bachchan comes for the shoot and what he does. They said that his shoot was going on till 1:00 AM. It was quite late, so he slept in the van. So that he could reach on time tomorrow morning,' the 'Student of the Year' actor said on air.
The anecdote underscored a discipline that has become almost mythological in Bollywood — Amitabh Bachchan's refusal to let logistical inconvenience compromise professional commitment, even after decades at the top of the industry.
Big B's Candid Response
Far from deflecting the compliment, Bachchan responded with characteristic wit. 'Sir, there is a big secret behind this,' he said, before adding: 'You and I spend at least 18 hours a day in the car (Vanity Van). We hardly spend 4-5 hours at home. So, let's sleep here. Why do we need to go there?'
The exchange drew laughter from the studio audience, with the 'Sholay' star keeping the mood light while also offering an unfiltered look at the gruelling schedules that top Bollywood talent routinely endures.
A Diwali Special Moment
The interaction took place during a Diwali special episode of KBC, during which Bachchan also congratulated Varun Dhawan on becoming a father. In a playful aside, the megastar joked, 'I forgot now that you are married and a father too' — a remark that added a warm, personal dimension to the on-screen exchange between the two generations of Bollywood.
KBC Season 18 on the Horizon
Amitabh Bachchan is set to return as host of KBC Season 18, scheduled to premiere on 10 August. He recently revealed the new season's theme — 'Sochna Padega' — explaining that the show has evolved to meet the demands of the AI era. According to Bachchan, contestants will now be tested on logical thinking and critical reasoning rather than rote-memorised knowledge, marking a notable shift in the show's format after nearly two and a half decades on air.
As KBC prepares for its latest edition, throwback moments like Varun's revelation serve as a reminder of why the show's host remains its most compelling draw.
Point of View
But it also surfaces something the industry rarely discusses openly: the physical cost of sustaining stardom at the highest level. Bachchan's offhand remark about spending 18 hours a day on set is not a boast — it is a data point about how Bollywood's top tier operates. As KBC Season 18 reframes itself around AI-era thinking with the 'Sochna Padega' theme, the irony is that its biggest draw remains a man whose appeal is rooted in an analogue, unrelenting work ethic that no algorithm can replicate.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Varun Dhawan reveal about Amitabh Bachchan on KBC?
Varun Dhawan revealed that Amitabh Bachchan once slept in his vanity van after a shoot that ran until 1 AM, so he could be ready and on time for the next morning's schedule. He shared this after researching Bachchan's work routine before appearing on the show.
How did Amitabh Bachchan respond to Varun Dhawan's story?
Bachchan responded with humour, saying there was 'a big secret' behind the habit and joking that he spends at least 18 hours a day in his vanity van and only 4-5 hours at home, making it more practical to simply sleep there.
When is KBC Season 18 premiering and what is its theme?
KBC Season 18 is scheduled to premiere on 10 August, with the theme 'Sochna Padega.' Amitabh Bachchan has explained that the new season will emphasise logical thinking and critical reasoning, reflecting the show's evolution for the AI era.
During which KBC episode did this exchange between Varun Dhawan and Amitabh Bachchan take place?
The exchange took place during a Diwali special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, during which Bachchan also congratulated Varun Dhawan on becoming a father.
What does 'Sochna Padega' mean and why is it the KBC Season 18 theme?
'Sochna Padega' roughly translates to 'you will have to think' in Hindi. Amitabh Bachchan explained that the theme reflects KBC's evolution for the AI era, where contestants are expected to apply logical reasoning and critical thinking rather than rely solely on memorised facts.
