Monday, September 21, 2009

Bigg Boss wanted me for TRPs, says Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik

Bigg Boss wanted me for TRPs, says Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik

Pramod Muthalik tells a mid day reporter, why he rejected the Rs 20-lakh offer from bigg boss

Is it true that the organisers of Bigg Boss have approached you?
I received a call from the show's organisers a month back requesting me to participate in its third season.

How many calls did you receive?
They approached me four times. I asked them to contact my associates in Bangalore who they met.

Why do you fear participation?
I don't need to show my strength by participating in such a show.

How much money were you offered?
They said that the show's winner will get Rs 1 crore as prize money and if I were to be eliminated mid-way, I'd get Rs 15-20 lakh.

Why did you say no?
Since this has nothing to do with my ideology, I rejected it.

Do you feel that this is a conspiracy against you?
Yes, this is a conspiracy to involve a brahmachari like me in a controversy by making me participate in the freak show inside the house. It's all for TRPs.

The Other Side
A representative of Colors, the channel that will telecast Bigg Boss 3, said, "No comments," when asked about Muthalik's participation.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Amitabh Bachchan's 'Bigg' paycheck for Bigg Boss 3

Amitabh Bachchan's 'Bigg' paycheck for Bigg Boss 3


It has been revealed that Amitabh Bachchan will be paid Rs 2.25 crore per episode of Bigg Boss 3. That’s quite a payday for Big B especially when the total payout will be close to nearly Rs 40 crore.

"When Amitabh Bachchan was approached for the show, the channel and the production house expected the payment figures to be big," revealed a source. "Negotiations started with Rs 4 crore per episode and ended at about Rs 2.25 crore. The channel decided to invest big money to create maximum buzz."

Bachan will carry out his hosting duties once a week and will also appear in special shows like those involving wild card entries.

This deal lands Amitabh the plaudit of being the highest paid host on Indian TV, overtaking Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar who get paid Rs1 crore each per episode of 'Dus Ka Dum', ‘Panchvi Pass’ and ‘Khatron Ka Khiladi’ respectively.

The groundbreaking star was also the first ever celebrity host on Indian screens when he played quizmaster on the hit show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Raju Shrivastav in Bigg Boss 3

Raju Shrivastav in Bigg Boss 3


Raju Shrivastav is all set to enter the Bigg Boss house. His name is almost finalized and the actor is eager to join in the other inmates of this reality show.

Yes he is almost confirmed as the contestant in Bigg Boss 3. He is the one who has been out of sight since long and thus the channel and production house thought of getting him in the show,” chirps the little birdie.

Elaborating more on why he is the chosen one, our source adds, “He will be a good entertainer for the other inmates, as well as, for the junta. Also, the actor cum comedian needs some boost in his career and this show will surely help him for the same.”

“Till now only he is almost confirmed and channel is still looking out for the lost faces of the past from the industry. But surely this time there will be a mix of participants, which will surely boost the TRP’s of the show too,” concludes the source.

So get ready as Raju tickles your funny bones in the Bigg Boss house along with Big B.

Varun Gandhi not joining BiggBoss3

Varun Gandhi not joining BiggBoss3



Bharatiya Janata Party MPVarunGandhi has rubbished reports that he was planning to enter the reality show BiggBoss3.Varun termed the media reports linking him with a television reality showas an attempt to misuse his name to garner publicity for the show. In a public statement Varun Gandhi denied that he was joining reality show Bigg Boss 3 and said he had nothing to do with any reality show on any private channel.

Varun was upset with the media who published reports of his joining the show without having confirmed with him. Colors is leaving no stone unturned to promote the reality show in its third season and had even tried to rope in Yogi Baba Ramdev but could not accommodate him in the show due to his uncanny demands. The show will be hosted by superstar Amitabh Bachchan who will be replacing Shilpa Shetty who hosted it last season.

Guess who was offered Big Boss 3

Guess who was offered Big Boss 3


Anil Kapoor, after the high flying success of Slumdog Millionaire is international with his appearance on the American teleseries- 24. But thats not all. He was offered to host Big Boss 3 which he turned down

He didnt bother to check the email on which he was offered the film. Hes been too busy shooting all over the place to be seen on Indian television. Legend has it that he almost did not take up the Slumdog Millionaire assignment till his son threatened to run away from home.

Coming to think of it, wasn’t he reprising the role of Big B in the film? Yes he was, and now, Big B has taken up the offer to host Big Boss 3 after Anil showed the producers the door. The contestants who are rumoured to appear on the show are a who's who of has-beens like Chunky Pandey, Aditya Pancholi, Baba Ramdev (who has denied it) and Shakti Kapoor.

Big B is no stranger to them, as much as Anil who has worked with them in the past, yet today the superstar has more time on his hands to take on work of his junior when at a time there used to be a reverse case. In the past, when Anil Kapoor took up Meri Jung, which was offered to Big B, it was seen as a project that would finally seal Anil’s fate who wanted to be the next superstar. How things have come around.

Big B, on the other hand is elated with the new project he has on hand. At a press conference in Singapore he said, 'It is going to be Big Boss for Colors.' It was officially announced to the media at the Marriott Hotel in Singapore. He has already started shooting for the show which begins in October and ends by December 2009.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Pretti please choose me for Bigg Boss 3

Pretti please choose me for Bigg Boss 3

Wannabe starlet, infamous for the alleged Madhur Bhandarkar casting couch incident, asks supporters, friends on Facebook to vote for her in SMS campaign that will select contestants

Desperate to get inside the Bigg Boss 3 house, wannabe starlet Pretti Jaiin, infamous for accusing Madhur Bhandarkar of raping her repeatedly, is sending out messages on Facebook, urging her friends to recommend her name for the show.

Colours, which will air the show, has decided to let viewers choose the contestants in the reality show through an SMS campaign.


"I want to win this poll and also check my popularity. This contest will help me figure out whether I have friends and supporters."

Ironically, Jaiin, who is presently involved with her own film production house, denied that she wanted to participate in Bigg Boss 3. "But, yes, I will join the show if I win the poll," she added.

Pretti on Bigg Boss 3?

No way. It is an old story. I don't want to know anything about her and I don't want to see her in Bigg Boss 3.

Nitu Jiwnani (24), Guest relations executive, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

Yes. I want to see her speak the truth, as the media has written so much about her. She brought casting couch to light.

Varun Santosh (25), Engineer

Pretti Jaiin, who?

On July 22, 2004, Pretti Jaiin filed a rape case against director Madhur Bhandarkar and alleged that he had raped her four times on the pretext of giving her an important role in his film Page 3.

In 2005, she was arrested for allegedly giving a supari to Naresh Pardesi, a functionary of underworld don Arun Gawli's party, to eliminate Bhandarkar.

Ramdev opts out of Bigg Boss 3

Ramdev opts out of Bigg Boss 3


Baba Ramdev has turned down the offer to be a contestant of Bigg Boss 3. The channel just couldn’t afford the fussy Baba. This, despite the fact that the season boasts of super-celebrity host Amitabh Bachchan , whose fee according to channel’s reliable sources is 4 times of what earlier host Shilpa Shetty got. Curiously though the contestants are expected to be upscale according to the host’s stature, the prize money remains unchanged.

Politicians, musicians and actors are under negotiation. But the names that they want don’t find the lure of the prize money to be irresistible. Baba Ramdev, it seems, almost said yes. And then opted out because the discipline at the Bigg House didn’t match with his regimen. Says Rajesh Kamat the CEO of Colors, “Yes we were negotiating with Baba Ramdev. But it didn’t work out.”

Was it because of his strict Yogi’s regimen? Says Kamat, “We were ready to let him get up at 3 am in the morning and do his yoga if he wanted. The only thing the participants can’t do is sleep beyond 8 am.” Frantic negotiations are on to get A-listers to participate. The lure being the Bachchan brand. Says Kamat, “All I can say at the moment is; we want to get in people who have an image to further or revamp. Look at what Bigg Boss did to Rakhi Sawant.”

Sherlyn and Claudia in ‘Bigg Boss 3’

Sherlyn and Claudia in ‘Bigg Boss 3’


Bigg Boss keeps getting bigger. After the news that Baba Ramdev could participate in the show, sources have now revealed the names of some other famous celebs as the possible contestants for Big Boss 3. The show that became inspiration for many other reality shows on the national television will soon start its third season.

Have a look at the names being approached by the channel people - Aditya Panscholi, Varun Gandhi, Sherlyn Chopra, Kamal R Khan (Desh Drohi actor-producer) and Claudia Ciesla (she was allegedly linked with Salman Khan and also with Abhishek Bachchan).

While these celebs are considering and reconsidering about being on the show, the channel’s hunt for oddballs, who can boost TRPs and make them earn some big bucks, continues.

It appears the show’s gonna be better and bigger than before.

Bigg Boss season 3: Ready to be aired

Bigg Boss season 3: Ready to be aired


TELEVISION REALITY show Bigg Boss 3 is almost ready to be on aired on Colors channel. Production house Endemol is producing this very popular reality show. This year the biggest name of Indian film industry Amitabh Bachchan is going to host this show. The Indian version of the popular British reality show Big Brother, Bigg Boss will have celebrity contestants locked into a house under the surveillance of multiple cameras for a period of few months without any contact with the outside world.

According to unofficial sources, Baba Ramdev could participate in the show but Baba Ramdev has refused the rumours about his participation in Bigg Boss season 3. The other big name in possible contestant is Bharatiya Janata Party controversial MP Varun Gandhi. Last year in Bigg Boss season 2 Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam took part in this reality show and was eliminated in the very first week. Actor Aditya Panscholi, Sherlyn Chopra, film Desh Drohi actor-producer Kamal Khan and German model, actress Claudia Ciesla are suppose to take part in this show.

Officially, participants' names are yet to be announced by the channel and production house of this show but Amitabh Bachchan’s promo is airing from some time back on Colors.

Television audiences are now eagerly waiting for Bigg Boss season 3. Hope like earlier seasons of Bigg Boss, this season will also hit the TRP of the channel.

Varun Gandhi in 'Bigg Boss 3'

Varun Gandhi in 'Bigg Boss 3'



Last year, Sanjay Nirupam made history by becoming the first politician to participate in 'Bigg Boss 2'. BJP leader Varun Gandhi is now tipped to be part of the upcoming third season of the show. Shakti Kapoor and item girl Poonam Jawhar are said to be in the fray too.

As per media reports, Gandhi has been approached by Colors and Endemol India to participate in 'Bigg Boss 3'. However, Gandhi's aide rubbished the news.

We called at Varun's residence where an aide denied that Varun was made any offer. "Since last evening, the media are carrying this story, but there's no truth to it. As far as I know, Varun hasn't been made any offer," said the aide.

Channels and production officials are simply keeping mum on such reports.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Big Boss ropes in the Big Boss himself

Big Boss ropes in the Big Boss himself


Amitabh Bachchan is to take over from Shilpa Shetty as a presenter on India's version of Big Brother.

'Big Boss' as it is known will see the ‘Big B’ take the show to even greater heights – of popularity, scale and excitement. Last year, on Season 2 of Bigg Boss, 70 million viewers watched the show over a period of 3 months.

In this season of Bigg Boss, Mr. Bachchan will be playing the role of ‘Pop Philosopher’ - a concept that will be one of the differentiators of this season.

As ‘Pop Philosopher’, Big B will bridge the gap between ‘Bigg Boss’ participants and viewers – through contextualising events, simplifying emotions and most importantly, analysing developments that happen within the ‘Bigg Boss’ house.

Rajesh Kamat, Chief Executive Officer – COLORS, said, “After tremendous success of Bigg Boss on COLORS last year, we want to take Bigg Boss to even higher level this year – in ratings, in novelty and in appeal.

"With Mr. Bachchan on board, and playing the ‘Pop Philosopher’, we strongly believe that ‘Bigg Boss’ this year has all the ingredients to surpass its last year’s popularity.”

“It is our honour to have Mr. Bachchan on-board and we look forward to him providing his inimitable touch to one of our most popular format shows.”

Amitabh said, “This is one show that has intrigued me immensely as a viewer – its format, its contestants and the psychological battle within the house.

"That intrigue, coupled with the unique concept that COLORS shared with me for this season, excited me to be a part of ‘Bigg Boss’ this year.”

“I am looking forward to my role that gives me the unique opportunity to help viewers decode emotions and comprehend simple philosophies of life (without getting philosophical).”

The contenders of Bigg Boss-3

The contenders of Bigg Boss-3


After deciding to give Bigg Boss a real face in Amitabh Bachchan, the producers of popular TV reality show are busy finalising the contestants for its third season.

The show, full of sleaze, controversies and at times even short love stories, will see these celebrities fight for that elusive prize money.

As far as the inmates of Bigg Boss's house are concerned, whispers doing rounds suggest names like Adityaa Pancholi, Ajay Jadeja, Chunkey Pandey, Kamaal Khan, Mika, Fiza, Harshit Saxena, Deepika, Amit Duaa, Puneet Israni and Sherlyn Chopra.

While personalities like actor Adityaa Pancholi, cricketer-turned-actor Ajay Jadeja and actor Chunkey Pandey don't need an introduction, people know lawyer Fiza following her consecutive TV appearances on news channels and later also in a reality show owing to her closeness with a minister.

Kamaal Khan is a pseudo patriotic whose film Deshdrohi got a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons. Singer Mika's Bollywood tunes are also selling like hot cakes but on small screen he is known for his controversies.

Harshit Saxena was a finalist on another reality show Voice Of India and is ready to experience the love-hate relationship with reality in Bigg Boss's bad house.

People knew Deepika as Ram's wife Sita, thanks to her grand TV serial Ramayan. She was literally worshipped and even voted to power, but now it's time to meet the Deepika behind the Sita façade.

People know Sherlyn Chopra for her bold appearances in movies. There are also TV star Amit Duaa known from serial Raja Ki Ayege Baraat and another reality show star Puneet Israni.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Baba Ramdev to appear on Bigg Boss 3

Baba Ramdev to appear on Bigg Boss 3


The latest buzz in the tele land is over a Yogi baba participating in the reality show . Yes we are talking about Ramdev Baba who is speculated to be a part of the Bigg Boss Season 3. “The channel and the production house are in the talks with Baba Ramdev but nothing, as of now is confirmed,” chirps our khabroo.

Elaborating more on the reason for taking him in this reality show, our source adds, “He is a famous person and has been in news with these glam dolls recently on a news channel, and has raised many eyebrows. Even for that matter, actress Celina Jaitley has raised her voice against his thinking about the actress and item girls in the Bollywood industry.”

“He has a different thinking about these actors and may be with his participation in the show, his thinking for the entertainment industry might change. Also, he will be very supportive to keep the environment cool with his yoga kriya and teache the inmates the same,” quips the source. So don’t be surprised if you see Baba Ramdev teaching Kapalbhati to the inmates of Bigg Boss house with Big B.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Big B will be ‘voice of reason’ on Big Boss

Big B will be ‘voice of reason’ on Big Boss


Indian television can’t get any bigger than this. As the channel Colors’ CEO Rjaesh Kamat puts it,“It’s Bollywood Ka Boss meets Bigg Boss.”

Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to play a very special role in the third season of Bigg Boss which begins in October.

This is the Big B’s second television appearance after the spectacular Kaun Banega Crorepati. And hence crucial. Negotiations between the Big B and Colors were frantically on until late this week.

Finally, on Friday, the Colors team headed for Singapore to announce the Big B’s presence on the show.

Says Kamat, “Why Mr Bachchan? You may well ask. After the success of Season 2 we needed to take Bigg Boss to another level. We went to the drawing board and concluded that the only way we could take the show higher was by introducing the concept of the Pop Philosopher. Earlier, we had the anchors commenting on the goings on in the Bigg Boss . Now the discussion would move to a dinner-table introspective level. Why were the contestants doing what they were doing... what were their motivations? Etc etc. We needed a prophetic voice that would be heard and taken seriously. Quite frankly if Mr Bachchan hadn’t agreed we’d have scrapped the concept of the pop-philosopher on the show.”

Filmmakers and scriptwriters are making a beeline for Singapore. But does the Big B’s second major foray after KBC after years of being offered fiction and non-fiction mean he’s now in the mood to lean towards the home medium for a while?

“Not at all,” says the Big B. “I finished my pending film assignments and then came here. My trip to Singapore was planned well in advance. The next lot of films are crystallizing. In the meanwhile I took on Bigg Boss because they thought I could be a convincing voice of reason on the show. I’m not the host or the anchor. I’ve a totally different function as a commentator who could connect with audiences without talking down to them.”

The icon surprises you by saying he’s nervous. “You’d think KBC was harder because that was my first time on television. But no. Every time I do anything new and that means starting a new film project too, I get butterflies in my stomach. I’m happy about this show because like KBC it has been conceptualized and created by the best minds and some of the finest psychologists. So I’m in safe hands.”

Big B to fly down to Mumbai every Friday for ‘Bigg Boss 3’

Big B to fly down to Mumbai every Friday for ‘Bigg Boss 3’

Amitabh Bachchan , currently tending to friend Amar Singh in Singapore, will fly down every Friday to shoot for a reality show...

Amitabh Bachchan may have signed Bigg Boss as the host, but he has no plans to return to Mumbai anytime soon. The show is slated to go on air from October, but Amitabh is happy in Singapore, where he is currently. For his shoots, the channel will now have to fly the star to and fro every week.

Amitabh says, “I definitely don’t plan to return to Mumbai soon, but now that I have signed the show, I’ll have to figure out a way. I need to be in Lonavala every Friday for the shoot.”

But why is Amitabh intent on sticking around in Singapore? Well, that’s because his dear friend, politician Amar Singh is recuperating from a recent operation in the foreign land. “I’m not out on a holiday,” Amitabh clarifies. “I’m looking after my friend. I’m also meeting a lot of people here and attending to work. And well, also reading, watching television and blogging,” he adds.

And while Amitabh will be flying down, scriptwriters and filmmakers are making a beeline for Singapore to meet him.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Shilpa Shetty "happy" to be replaced by Big B on Big Boss

Shilpa Shetty "happy" to be replaced by Big B on Big Boss


Shilpa Shetty won't be a part of this season's 'Big Boss' but the actress has no qualms about it and is excited that she has been replaced on the reality show by none other than Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

"Yes it's out...Amitji will host the next season of Big Boss and people want to know how I feel...I feel happy that (the channel) have got him to say yes. I know he will do a fantastic job. I will definitely be watching it," Shilpa wrote on her blog.

The Indian version of the reality show is conceptualised on the lines of UK's popular reality show 'Big Brother' and the 34-year-old actress, who is a winner of 'Big Brother', was roped in to host the show last year.

Shilpa said that she was not surprised about the recent development as she was already informed about it from the channel's side.

"This piece of news didn't come as a surprise as I was told before by the Creative head of the channel. The channel have the right to do what's best for the show so that's that," said Shilpa.

Shilpa insists that she is too busy with acting assignments this year to take time out for television.

"I will be shooting the whole of October and November in the UK, so I couldn't have done it this time, but nevertheless I will miss Big Boss as it has been an integral part of my life and I enjoyed doing it last season," Shetty wrote.

'Bigg Boss 3' will surpass last year's popularity: Colors CEO

'Bigg Boss 3' will surpass last year's popularity: Colors CEO


Though "Bigg Boss" is among the most watched reality shows on Indian television, the latest version featuring Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will see the show surpassing last year's popularity, says Colors TV channel CEO Rajesh Kamat.

"After the tremendous success of 'Bigg Boss' last year, we want to take it to even higher levels this year - in ratings, in novelty and in appeal. With Mr. Bachchan on board, we strongly believe that 'Bigg Boss' this year has all the ingredients to surpass its last year's popularity," Kamat said in a press release.

Amitabh, 66, who created waves in the TV industry as host of superhit game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati", is making a comeback to the small screen after a gap of four years.

His role in "Bigg Boss" has been defined as that of a 'Pop Philosopher', which is a unique concept that will be one of the differentiators of this season.

In this role, Amitabh will bridge the gap between "Bigg Boss" participants and viewers through contextualising events, simplifying emotions as well as analysing developments that happen within the "Bigg Boss" house.

Talking of his association with the show, Amitabh said: "This is one show that has intrigued me immensely as a viewer - its format, its contestants and the psychological battle within the house. That intrigue, coupled with the unique concept that Colors shared with me for this season, excited me to be a part of 'Bigg Boss' this year."

"Bigg Boss" is the Indian version of popular British reality show "Big Brother".

It has celebrity contestants locked into a house under the surveillance of multiple cameras for a period of three months without any contact with the outside world.

In the third season of the show this year, viewers will get to decide who they want to see in the "Bigg Boss" house. Amitabh will be urging viewers through ads to send in their entries, on the basis of which a few celebrities will be approached.

The show will begin in October.

Pick your contestant with Big B on Bigg Boss

Pick your contestant with Big B on Bigg Boss


After ‘Bigg Boss Season 2’ last year, Colors has roped-in the Big Boss of Indian entertainment, Amitabh Bachchan, for the show.

The promos announcing Bachchan’s association with Bigg Boss will begin on September 7.

In this season of Bigg Boss, Bachchan will be playing the role of ‘Pop Philosopher’ - a unique concept that will be one of the differentiators of this season. As ‘Pop Philosopher’, Big B will bridge the gap between ‘Bigg Boss’ participants and viewers – through contextualising events, simplifying emotions and most importantly, analysing developments that happen within the ‘Bigg Boss’ house.

Speaking of the development, Rajesh Kamat, Chief Executive Officer, Colors, said, “We want to take Bigg Boss to even higher level this year – in ratings, in novelty and in appeal. With Mr. Bachchan on board, and playing the ‘Pop Philosopher’, we strongly believe that ‘Bigg Boss’ this year has all the ingredients to surpass its last year’s popularity.” He further added, “It is our honour to have Mr. Bachchan on-board and we look forward to him providing his inimitable touch to one of our most popular format shows.”

Talking of his association with Bigg Boss, Bachchan commented, “This is one show that has intrigued me immensely as a viewer — its format, its contestants and the psychological battle within the house. That intrigue, coupled with the unique concept that Colors shared with me for this season, excited me to be a part of ‘Bigg Boss’ this year.” He further added, “I am looking forward to my role that gives me the unique opportunity to help viewers decode emotions and comprehend simple philosophies of life (without getting philosophical).”

Another exciting element in this year’s Bigg Boss is the opportunity that viewers will get to decide who they want to see in the Bigg Boss house. Bachchan will soon urge the viewers to send in their entries and on that basis, the channel will try and get a few of those personalities into the Bigg Boss house. This will be the first time in the history of Bigg Boss (or Big Brother) that viewers get a chance to decide who they’d like to see inside the Bigg Boss house, as inmates.

Mr. Bachchan commented, “I am excited to begin with them (the channel), a new journey of ‘rediscovery’ and ‘reinvention’ of my own abilities and in the process, meaningfully entertain millions of my fans.”

‘Bigg Boss’ presents the unique combination of reality and real unscripted drama. It is the ultimate reality show where 14 handpicked strangers are locked in a house, for close to 85 days – with 35 cameras following their every move 24x7 and Bigg Boss, the ultimate authority in the house who ensures that their stay is anything but comfortable. As the 14 hand picked contestants vie with each other to survive in the Bigg Boss house, irritation, backbiting and backstabbing reach its prime. This is one show that brings out the best and the worst side of contestants.

Pop philosopher Big B for Big Boss

Pop philosopher Big B for Big Boss

Yes, it’s Big B for Big Boss! Confirms Amitabh Bachchan, “The channel had been in meetings with me for a while to assess the possibilities of my being associated with Big Boss, the Indian version of the popular Big Brother.”

He adds, “I had been aware of the show and seen bits of it on and off, but when it came up as an offer for participation, I went into discussions with the management on how we could perhaps with my involvement, bring certain changes where my presence would compliment not just the concept but also in a sense those audiences that viewed it.”

The show, he says, starts in October and ends by December 2009. Bachchan, the former host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, blogs, “There has been an aspect of TV shows, ever since I got involved with KBC, that has intrigued me immensely — the science or the philosophy that goes into designing such concepts. I believe that no matter what the idea has been in the construct of such dimension, there is something that delves deeper, that thinks and reasons, that calculates and assesses the nature of human behaviour.”

“What does it do to the human mind or to an individual, when it is put into such severe circumstances as in the discussed program? 13 individuals, unknown to each other, watched and monitored closely by 35 cameras, put together for a period of 84 days without any contact with the outside world, into one house ... how on earth did they devise such a thought? Did they just get up one morning and start operations, was it some ridiculous idea of a brain damaged person ... what?”

Bachchan asks, “How would you feel if you were deprived of your newspaper early in the morning. On days when the press shuts because of a National Holiday, our morning routine suddenly seems utterly disrupted. Imagine not being with a newspaper for 84 days. Not having access to a mobile or any connectivity. No access to any form of entertainment through television or radio. No time pieces to ascertain what time it is.”

“And then ... . when you come in after a week to assess why the inmates behaved the way they did, it becomes somewhat of a challenge. I felt if this ‘face’ for the show, could, instead of merely coming in there looking pretty to evict voted out contestant, be able to talk to the individuals and perhaps in his wisdom try to discover or unfold the reasons behind the behavior of certain inmates, it would go a long way in not only giving the participants an opportunity to re look at themselves for the following week, but also provide sufficient fodder to the audience that views the program.”

He explains, “The idea is not to intellectualize the moment, not to become the messiah so to say, or an authoritative judge and jury, but a friendly philosopher, a ‘pop philosopher’ as nomenclatured by the channel, to leave something behind for perhaps a dining table discussion. For the contestants perhaps to consider what had been offered.”

Bachchan wonders, “What is it that instigates temper, intolerance, assertiveness, emotion among us and how does it get related in a situation that the show exemplifies. Would it through debate and discussion elevate a situation or make it worse. Could it be possessing qualities of moral rectitude? Would it provide material that could induce an emulation of sorts? Fascinating!”

The show is going through changes, he says. “It was then this element of the show, the attention for which, the management needed to assure me of, before I would accept signing on. They appreciated the thought, assured all of their desire to take the concept to a higher level and got about the task of ensuring that it was brought into practice with renewed vigor.”

“From the look of the ‘face’, to the furniture within, to the modes of bringing in the contestants, all went through severe change. And I am happy to note that right from the start there has been a desire to make sure that what has been discussed is being executed.”

Here’s looking forward to seeing you in your role, Mr Bachchan!

'Big B' gets ready for TV comeback

'Big B' gets ready for TV comeback


After nearly four years off the small screen, Bollywood’s biggest icon, Amitabh Bachchan, is ready to return, this time as anchor for the third edition of Hindi general entertainment channel Colors’ reality show, Bigg Boss.

In Bigg Boss-3, Bachchan has been given a role of what Colors calls a “Pop-Philosopher”.

Amitabh Bachchan will bridge the gap between Bigg Boss participants and viewers by contextualising events, simplifying emotions and, most importantly, analysing developments that happen within the ‘Bigg Boss’ house,” Rajesh Kamat, CEO, Colors, told Business Standard from Singapore, where the contract between Bachchan and Colors was signed today.

The details of the contract are still being worked out, Kamat said. “Big B will surely appear every Friday night. We are working out his on-air appearance-schedule,” he added.

Commenting on his association with Colors, Bachchan said: “This is one show that has intrigued me immensely as a viewer. I am looking forward to my role that gives me the unique opportunity to help viewers decode emotions and comprehend simple philosophies of life.”

The show, modelled on the popular English reality show Big Brother, is expected to go on air around Diwali.

Colors is run by Viacom 18, a 50:50 joint venture between Network18 (which also runs channels like CNBC TV 18 and CNBC Aawaz) and US media company Viacom Inc.

The Bigg Boss format requires over a dozen celebrities to spend three months locked in a house and monitored round-the-clock thorough 35-television cameras.

The second edition was anchored by film actor Shilpa Shetty, who won the UK edition of Big Brother following a controversy over a racial slur by fellow participant, the late Jade Goody. It is not clear whether Shetty will be a part of Bigg Boss-3.

Bachchan was last seen on the small screen in 2005, hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)-II on STAR Plus, the famous reality show adapted from the international hit-series Who wants to be a Millionaire? that first aired on the channel in 2000 (Bachchan hosted it till 2005).

In 2007, STAR Plus launched the third series of KBC with film actor Shah Rukh Khan. KBC had helped STAR Plus become a clear genre-leader, based on viewership ratings.

The 100-odd episodes of Bigg Boss-2 had helped Colors reach the top positions among a dozen Hindi general entertainment channels last year. Colors was launched in July 2008 and has constantly occupied first or second ranking in its genre for most of this year.

Bigg Boss-2, generated average television rating points (TRPs) of 3.5 to 4 which is considered good by the media planners who buy on-air time on behalf of the advertisers.

“Last year Bigg Boss helped us sustain the momentum and inch closer to the category leaders. This year, Bigg Boss is a part of our effort to strengthen our leadership and widen the gap with other players,” Kamat said.

Bigg Boss is said to be one of the most expensive reality shows when it aired on Colors last year with a per-episode cost of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 55 lakh. The per-episode cost for Bigg Boss-3 is expected to increase 50 to 70 per centon account of celebrity fees and the entry of Amitabh Bachchan, say industry insiders.

Amitabh Bachchan to replace Shilpa Shetty on Bigg Boss

Amitabh Bachchan to replace Shilpa Shetty on Bigg Boss


Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who once hosted the popular reality TV show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' on Star TV, is now coming back to small screen again after a long time. The Big B has confirmed that he will host the third season of Bigg Boss on Colors TV, the Indian version of the popular 'Big Brother'. Bachchan will replace actress Shilpa Shetty, who hosted Bigg Boss in its previous season.

The happy news about Amitabh hosting the show was officially announced to the media at the Mariott Hotel in Singapore . Amitabh Bachchan will play 'pop psychologist' to those in the house. The Big B's intention is to add 'the human element' to the reality show. The show is expected to launch some time in October. The celebrity contestants will be locked inside the house for three months.

"We need to analyse the minds of those on the show and reach out to as many people as possible through it. On eviction day, I will discuss the thought process of that particular contestant,'' Times Of India quoted Amitabh Bachchan saying about the show. "I don't claim to give gyaan or suggest that I can calm things down. My job is only to analyse why people behave in a certain manner in the house,'' he added.

Rajesh Kamat, the CEO of Colours TV, said that Bachchan was selected to make the show more appealing to people from the ages 4 to 64. " Bigg Boss last season was hugely popular. This time we wanted make it more broadbased and pan-India so it appeals to people from the ages 4 to 64. Once we decided on Amitabh Bachchan , we worked out the pop-philosopher role for him. The idea was to deconstruct the emotions of those in the house and initiate discussions where we can keep the audience engaged,'' Times Of India quoted Rajesh Kamat saying about picking Amitabh.

However, Shilpa Shetty has acknowledged the news by saying, "Amitji will host the next season of BIG BOSS and people want to know how I feel. This piece of news didn't come as a surprise as I was told before by the Creative head of the channel, and I feel happy that they've got him to say yes. I know he will do a fantastic job.”

Shilpa Shetty said that she would definitely watching it. She believes that 'the channel has the right to do what's best for the show so that's that'. She justifies her departure from the show by saying, "Also I will be shooting the whole of October and November in the UK, so I couldn't have done it this time, but nevertheless I will miss Big Boss as it has been an integral part of my life and I enjoyed doing it last season."

Amitabh Bachchan back on TV with 'Bigg Boss 3'

Amitabh Bachchan back on TV with 'Bigg Boss 3'


He's going from `lock kiya jaye' to unlocking the minds of contestants in India's version of Big Brother. Amitabh Bachchan returns to the small screen in Season 3 of Bigg Boss, to play "pop psychologist'' to those in the house. The Big B's intention is to add "the human element'' to the reality show.

"We need to analyse the minds of those on the show and reach out to as many people as possible through it. On eviction day, I will discuss the thought process of that particular contestant,'' Amitabh Bachchan told TOI. "I don't claim to give gyaan or suggest that I can calm things down. My job is only to analyse why people behave in a certain manner in the house.''

About the celebrity inmates of the house, Bachchan only says, "The audience will vote for who they want to see inside the house.'' Shooting will take place every Friday in Lonavala. Family Bachchan, of course, is thrilled at the idea. "They are happy with whatever makes me happy,'' he says.

On why Bachchan was picked for this role, Colours CEO Rajesh Kamat said, " Bigg Boss last season was hugely popular. This time we wanted to make it more broadbased and pan-India so it appeals to people from the ages 4 to 64. Once we decided on Amitabh Bachchan, we worked out the pop-philosopher role for him. The idea was to deconstruct the emotions of those in the house and initiate discussions where we can keep the audience engaged.''

Rumour has it that Baby B Abhishek too has been approached to host a game show. According to industry sources, "Abhishek Bachchan has been offered to host a game show on the lines of American show Bingo. The matter is still under discussion and likely to finalised by the end of the year.''

More and more film personalities are looking at doing television programmes. While SRK did a season of KBC, Akshay Kumar has returned with Khatron Ke Khiladi and Salman Khans image got a makeover with Dus Ka Dum.

"It's the huge audience base and the ability of television to reach out to the lowest common denominator that is drawing big film stars to small screen,'' says reality TV writer Manoj Muntashir. "Also, television is no more inferior to cinema. The stars were wooed by some great money and the desire to do something out of the box. Get set to be surprised by many superstars turning to this most popular medium of entertainment in the near future,'' he adds.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Big B to host 'Bigg Boss 3'

Big B to host 'Bigg Boss 3'


Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is set to host the third edition of reality TV show 'Bigg Boss' replacing Shilpa Shetty.

Bachchan, currently in Singapore, told PTI today that he would be hosting the show.

The 66-year-old actor will step into the shoes of Shilpa, who hosted the second season of the show was aired on 'Colors' television channel.

This will be Bachchan's second stint on the small screen. He hosted the popular game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' for two seasons.

Bigg Boss, the Indian version of the Big Brother, first hit the Indian television screens in November 2006 and was hosted by Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi.

Bigg Boss 2 returned in August 2008 with Shilpa, who had previously won the fifth series of Celebrity Big Brother in the United Kingdom.

Bigg Boss 3 : The hunt for the contestants is on

Bigg Boss 3 : The hunt for the contestants is on


The channel Colors has began their planning for the second season of their popular reality show Bigg Boss in full swing. The show is being planned to go on air from coming October.

The makers of the show are planning to bring a lot of variations in the show by adding more surprise elements and more interesting guests. Faces that have been constantly shown on TV for the last one year may be avoided because they are already over exposed. The hunt for the 12 house inmates is on.

Shilpa Shetty back as host for Bigg Boss 3

Shilpa Shetty back as host for Bigg Boss 3


Not many are aware the channel Colors has already began their planning for the second season of their popular reality show Bigg Boss in full swing. The show is being planned to go on air from coming October. Fans of Shilpa Shetty will be rejoiced to know that she has been more or less confirmed for hosting the show yet again.

Reveals a source, “The channel has been in talks with Shilpa Shetty for hosting the second season and she seems to have given her nod, however she is still to be signed on the dotted line. The talks about the money factor are yet to be finalized. One can recall she was paid a bomb for hosting the show. But this year with the ongoing recession, she may have to adjust her price. Even Salman Khan has agreed for a lesser price for hosting 10 Ka Dum’s second season so it is most likely that Shilpa too, will settle for something lesser than what she was paid last year.”

Bigg Boss (Season 3)

Bigg Boss (Season 3)


Bigg Boss Season 3 in 2009 will be the Third season of the Indian reality TV programme Bigg Boss. It will begin airing sometime in 2009 on Colors (India TV channel). Shilpa Shetty will return as the host.

Producers of Bigg Boss Season 3 are in discussion with celebrities to star on the show, and rumoured participants of Bigg Boss Season 3 are:

* Ajay Jadeja
* Aditya Pancholi
* Harshit Saxena
* Khayali Saharan
* Sachin Khedekar


Nothing has been finalised at the moment. Colors channel has the line up of programs settled for the next few months. There might be a possibility after the reality show KKK ends.

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