Amitabh Bachchan Returns For KBC 17, Beats Salman Khan To Become India's Highest Paid TV Host

The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan is all set to return to television with the 17th season of his iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Having first hosted the show in 2000, Big B has been the face of KBC for nearly every season, with the sole exception of the third season which featured Shah Rukh Khan. Now as the new season approaches, Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly achieved a major milestone, not just in his career but in the Indian television history.

According to a report, the veteran actor is charging an astonishing Rs 5 crore per episode for the latest season. Given that the show airs five days a week, this amounts to Rs 25 crore every week. This unprecedented figure officially positions Amitabh Bachchan as the highest paid television host in the country, surpassing Salman Khan who was reportedly paid Rs 12 crore per Weekend Ka Vaar episode during Bigg Boss OTT 2. Though Salman’s per-episode fee was significant, his two-day work week meant his earnings slightly trailed Amitabh Bachchan’s total.

Sony TV confirmed the return of KBC on April 4 through a promotional video that featured Amitabh Bachchan in a humorous setup, playing a man suffering from a stomach ache. The quirky teaser concluded with him announcing the return of the show and encouraging viewers to register through the Sony LIV app, SMS or IVR calls. This marked the official start of preparations for Season 17.

Earlier this year, speculation swirled around Amitabh Bachchan’s future with the show after an entertainment portal reported that he would be stepping away from hosting duties due to “personal reasons”. The report also suggested that Salman Khan was in advanced discussions to take over as the new host. However, these rumours were quickly debunked as inaccurate, with Amitabh Bachchan remaining firmly attached to the show.

KBC 17 is now scheduled to premiere on August 11, 2025. The anticipation around this season is not only driven by the show’s loyal fan base but also by the excitement of seeing Amitabh Bachchan continue his reign as the most beloved quizmaster on Indian television. His return reinforces not just the show’s enduring legacy but also his unmatched stature in the entertainment industry.

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