MUMBAI: After tasting success as the host of Star Plus’ quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is back on television.
The channel aims to redefine Indian television with this new game show. This time Khan will be seen hosting another game show called Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?, which is based on the international show from Mark Burnett called Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? The show will have adult contestants testing their wits with a group of sprightly 10-year-olds on Star Plus.
The show is being produced by Siddharth Basu’s Synergy Adlabs, which also produced Kaun Banega Crorepati?
Khan says, “I was very keen to do this show because of the educational aspect attached to it, which has been an integral part our culture. Once the decision was made, Star Plus was the only television platform I could think that could take me to every single television home in this country.”
The format originated in the United States, has launched successfully in 50 countries and will now hit Indian television courtesy Bulldog Media & Entertainment, a company that specializes in worldwide acquisition and development of intellectual property rights in the television market.
Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? has grade-school level questions put forth to adults from all walks of life, well heeled and confident, who attempt to relive school with success. The essence of the show is the test that adults will be put to answer primary school questions, the pressure of going back to school and keeping their reputations intact. Even the likes of 2008 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Rudy Guiliani have turned down the offer to be on show as contestants. Such is the pressure.
Speaking of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?, Star India CEO Uday Shankar added, “We are fortunate that the country has always given the mandate of taking television to next level to Star. We’ve done it time and again by launching a show like Kaun Banega Crorepati, by introducing a whole new time band in the afternoons and by bringing people back to television on the weekends. With a show like Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?, it’s time to redefine Indian television yet again.”
