Amitabh Bachchan opens up about emotional toll of hosting KBC season 18

Veteran actor says contestants’ personal stories have taken the show beyond its usual quiz format Amitabh Bachchan has spent more than 25 years hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati, but the veteran actor says some moments on the current season’s set have gone well beyond the quiz format. In a post shared on his personal Tumblr account, the veteran actor reflected on hosting the 18th season of KBC, revealing that some contestants have shared personal stories so difficult that they tested his composure on camera. He did not disclose details, saying doing so could affect the understanding between a host and the channel he works for. “Some contestants come with such grave personal stories that it becomes difficult to conduct not just our feelings for them but also to continue hosting the show,” Bachchan wrote, adding, “It has been a heart-breaking experience.” He signed off the post with, “I wish to retire now .. it is late .. and the night invites .. Love.” The remarks have once again raised questions about whether Bachchan could eventually step away from the long-running franchise. At the close of KBC’s 15th season in December 2023, an emotional Bachchan told viewers that the show’s “stage won't be the same” and that he was “bidding you all goodbye”. His farewell speech left fans wondering whether he was stepping away from the franchise for good, but he returned the following season. Bachchan has hosted the show since its launch in 2000, apart from a brief period when Shah Rukh Khan took over for the third season. Season 18 premiered on August 10 with the veteran actor returning as host. The latest instalment carries the theme 'Sochna Padega', built around careful thinking rather than rushed answers.