The Crisis Before the Comeback
By the late 1990s, the man who had defined superstardom for decades was at his lowest ebb. A self-imposed break from films was followed by a series of box office failures. More critically, his ambitious business venture, the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation
Limited (ABCL), had collapsed. Launched in the mid-90s, the entertainment company ventured into film production and event management but ended in disaster, most notably after organising the 1996 Miss World pageant. By 1999, ABCL was declared bankrupt, leaving Bachchan with debts reported to be around ₹90 crore. Creditors were at his door, lawsuits were piling up, and his properties were at risk. It was a humbling and dark period for the actor, with his film career also at a standstill.
A Gamble on the Small Screen
At the turn of the millennium, television was still considered a step down for a megastar of Bachchan's stature. Many warned him that moving from the big screen to the small screen would damage his illustrious image. However, with few film offers and immense financial pressure, he needed a lifeline. He famously approached filmmaker Yash Chopra for work, which led to a role in 'Mohabbatein'. Around the same time, the producers of a new show, an Indian adaptation of the British hit 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', approached him to be the host. Despite the scepticism from the industry, Bachchan took the gamble. It was his first foray into television, and nobody, perhaps not even he, could have predicted the monumental impact it would have.
The 'Hot Seat' Changes Everything
Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) premiered on July 3, 2000, and became an overnight sensation. The show was a perfect storm: a thrilling format, life-changing prize money, and a host who was a living legend. But it was Bachchan's hosting that truly captivated the nation. He was not the 'angry young man' of his films, but a warm, dignified, and empathetic guide. He connected with contestants from humble backgrounds, celebrated their stories, and made their dreams feel possible. His signature phrases like "Lock kiya jaye?" became part of the national lexicon, and families across India gathered every night, making KBC appointment television. The show shattered viewership records, proving that a quiz show could indeed be a primetime blockbuster.
A Career Reborn and an Image Reshaped
The success of KBC did more than just provide Bachchan with the financial means to clear his debts; it completely revitalised his public image and career. The show presented him to a new generation and re-established his connection with the audience, making him feel like a beloved member of every household. This newfound popularity translated directly back to the big screen. Following the launch of KBC, his role in 'Mohabbatein' (2000) was a huge success, marking the definitive start of his celebrated "second innings." He was no longer trying to fit into his old roles; instead, he embraced powerful character roles in films like 'Baghban', 'Black', and 'Paa', earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The show gave him a platform to reinvent himself, transitioning from an aging hero to a respected patriarch and a versatile actor.
