Amitabh Bachchan’s fun side will encounter tons more on KBC 12: Director Arun Sheshkumar
With new norms in situ , Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 will see a couple of changes in terms of format and set design. The show is about to premiere on September 28 on Sony TV.
arun sheshkumar, kbc 12, amitabh bachchan
KBC 12 director Arun Sheshkumar shared that while Amitabh Bachchan is super cool on set, he’s also alert about all COVID-19 protocols. (Photo: PR Handout)
Amitabh Bachchan are going to be back on television screens as Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 premieres on September 28. With new norms in situ , KBC 12 will see a couple of changes in terms of format and set design.
The show’s director Arun Sheshkumar recently spoke exclusively to indianexpress.com about what one can expect from the season, challenges of shooting with multiple COVID-19 protocols and in fact , Amitabh Bachchan.
Excerpts from the conversation:
How was it to be finally back on the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati 12?
We were all excited to return back. We wanted to form it a much bigger season. Times are such we had to require care of tons of other things also. Honestly, mauhal badal gaya hai, but jazbaa wahi hai (the atmosphere has changed but the eagerness remains the same).
Tell us more about preparing for the shoot within the new normal.
All the design actually happened during the lockdown. Every team was busy with zoom meetings, and that we found out an idea A, B and C, counting on what happens within the coming days. Since the lockdown was just getting extended, we didn’t have a thought , but we checked out starting shoot in September. Throughout the phase, we knew that KBC will happen. All that we would have liked clarity was about government regulations and new SOPs. And once things opened , we were back.
What’s new during this season?
So for the primary time, within the history of Kaun Banega Crorepati, there’ll be no live audience. which decision was taken for the security of everyone. But we’ve designed something keeping in mind their importance. you’ll get to listen to them but not see them. Since the studio audience won’t be there, we had to also abandoning the ‘audience poll’ lifeline. Hence, ‘video-a-friend’ is back, where contestants can video call a lover for assistance. aside from that ‘flip the question’, ’50-50′ and ‘ask the expert’ has been retained. we’ve a really good line up this season, and that we are calling them ‘intelligent experts’.
Any changes on the set?
There are a couple of modifications as we wanted it look even grander and larger . then due to the social distancing norms, we had to make an protection area. The set has been designed really intelligently, in order that a contestant cannot rush to Mr Bachchan after being selected for the recent seat. we’ve also smartly introduced a couple of elements for the security of the contestants and in fact our host. The room has also become bigger, and now we’ve cubicle-styled seats. The pantry has been extended in order that more tables might be included. We are ensuring everyone remains safe. nobody is complaining as we all are really excited for the show to start .
KBC is additionally a show with tons of emotions. With of these protocols, will we miss that within the episodes?
I must assure you that the emotions haven’t decreased a touch . there’s a physical distance as we try to take care about things . However, once you have Amitabh Bachchan around, there’s never a dip in enthusiasm. He has devised new rules – an elbow shake with contestants. i feel which will be the USP of the show, and fans are going to be excited to ascertain what else he has future . The soul and emotions are very high this season. Contestants have are available with their struggles and stories, with a desire to succeed in the recent seat. i feel the emotions have only grown this season.
Digital auditions were also held this season. Could you tell us more about that?
I think it came as a blessing in disguise for everybody . once we travelled to conduct these auditions, there would be sure number of individuals from the team coming with us. Since we were now reception , everyone pitched in, and that we could reach bent more people. It really worked for us. Also, the contestants didn’t need to visit audition centres, and will connect with us from the comfort of their homes. It also goes on to point out how well our country is technologically connected. We had people joining in from the remotest of villages this point .
What precautions are being taken before these contestants enter the set?
They go through the essential drill. Once they’re selected and called to Mumbai for shoot, we requested them to chop their social activities to the minimum. They were tested then isolated during a bedroom . We are taking care of them in order that they’re protected, even from one another . Before the shoot, they’re tested again. On the set, of course, proper hygiene is maintaintained. And these SOPs aren’t only for contestants but even the crew.
I think we’ve got an excellent response for Karamveer episodes. These are Indians who have made a difference with their deeds. they could be folk , but they’re celebrities in their own way. This season also we’ve an enormous list of heroes, but I cannot reveal much about them. they’re people that are working continuously for years, trying to raised the society and country. The Karamveer episodes will move and shake you. Watching these Karamveer episodes always makes us question why can’t we do an equivalent . i feel this easy thought will cause that change.
What was the reaction of the team when Big B revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus?
We were all shaken. quite the show, we were worried about him. It wasn’t a director-actor reaction, rather a fan-celebrity one. Also, since you don’t get much first-hand information, we were concerned. But him being him, he kept us all updated through his tweets and blogs, and that we knew there was nothing to stress . it had been quite shocker because we all knew how alert he’s about COVID-19 precautions. He shot for the promos and audition questions himself from his home. We couldn’t are happier to possess him back.
Amitabh has been posting about shooting for 14-17 hours. What’s his mood like on the set?
Honestly, we aren’t shooting for KBC for therefore long. What he shares is his collective work hours. I raised now with him recently, and he joked about it. It’s amazing to ascertain how he has been on his toes. Since tons of labor is pending thanks to the pandemic, he has been catching abreast of all the commitments. What he shares is his bed to bed schedule for the whole day that has his exercising, travelling, responding to fans and in fact shoots. As for him on KBC set, he’s absolutely cool and not worried. However, he’s very precise and alert about maintaining COVID-19 protocols. While we had several sanitisation stations, he has also installed a couple of himself. It’s always fun to possess him around, and off camera, he’s so naughty. i feel that side of himself also will encounter tons this point on screen.
Starting September 28, Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 will air Monday-Friday at 9 pm on Sony TV.
