Kaun Banega Crorepati director Arun Sheshkumar: 'Mr Bachchan is hosting 17th season'

Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan

Before every new season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the internet goes into an overdrive speculating whether Amitabh Bachchan will return to his hosting duties. This time, the rumours have taken a new turn, with the buzz suggesting that Salman Khan is in advanced talks to host KBC 17. However, speaking to mid-day, the quiz-based game show's director Arun Sheshkumar dismissed the chatter. He said, "Whatever you have heard about Salman replacing Mr Bachchan is completely incorrect. Mr Bachchan is hosting the 17th season of KBC. It's the 25th year of the show, and we are putting in efforts to make it grander."

Arun Sheshkumar and Kartik Aaryan

Bachchan has been synonymous with KBC since its inception in 2000, hosting every season barring the third edition. We've heard that the megastar will start shooting the upcoming season in July. A source reveals, "It will air from August 12, and Bachchan saab will begin shooting mid-July."

Another source reveals that a few years ago, certain stars were approached to take the mantle from Bachchan. But on further deliberation, the heads of Sony TV as well as the actors felt that replacing the legend would be unwise. "Some top stars, who were approached a couple of years ago, refused, saying that Bachchan's shoes are too big to fill. The megastar is not only loved by the masses and classes, but also creatively involved in every aspect of the show. Kartik Aaryan is the only actor who has been sending feelers to host KBC, but he is too young and cannot bring Bachchan's gravitas and knowledge to the table," elaborates the source.