An offer for television changed all that when I agreed to anchor ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ much against all the advice and resentment from friends family and advisers. Taken to the United Kingdom at the Elstree Studios where ‘Millionaire’ was being recorded, I observed the elan and grace of the show and the immense production values that it incorporated. If they could give me this in India I would readily agree. They did, I agreed and KBC took its initial steps. It soon became apparent that it was going to be big and prosperous. I merely sat back and played the game as best it could be played. Before long I was out of the financial crisis and signing on an almost 2 year deal with the channel that was carrying it.

That is how it all started. Tonight at the Marriott at 7 PM, Sony launched KBC with great fanfare, making all the relevant announcements and providing an opportunity for members of the media to come on stage and play the game with me. One was chosen and with the real mock up of the KBC set, we played and introduced all the new features of the show this season, making it a most unique press conference. The media was on whistle and scream mode from the moment it started till the every last.

God Bless you media … it was the best media event I had ever attended. From the moment the lights came on on stage, one could sense that the media were there with you. Its always a good indicator for any event and tonight was special. I have never been to a press conference that had this level of excitement and encouragement. Thank you media ! And may the God’s bless and protect you.

So KBC is on for the first broadcast on the birthday Oct 11, 2010 at 9 PM on Sony. There are a few changes too. The money tree has been reduced in the number of questions - from 15 before to 12 now ! You get to the prize 1 crore quicker. Four lifelines, two being the same and two different. One new is the ‘Ask the Expert’ … an expert in any field is in the studio and is willing to help in finalizing an answer. They appear on a LED screen and we can chat to them. Fastest Finger First contestants stay on for the entire week, instead of leaving when the episode is over. And if you play along with the show sitting at home, you get an opportunity to win Rs 100,000, a lakh ! And then the clincher ! Top question prize money after the 12th is the 13th., for 5 crore Rupees !! Thats like, serious life changing money !

Now the buzz is out and the anticipation as to what and where it will happen has begun. The butterflies in the stomach gain courage in their existence within the bowels, and the shivers of first day, rattle along the entire body.

Now the elements shall take over. Our work is done. Its over to the audiences and their love, like or dislike upon the subject. The executives of the company give me courage in their understanding of the moment and hopefully we shall have a good product in front of our screens early October. Amen !!

The good in such events is obviously large and productive. But during the bad times too, something kept going - the will and desire to overcome !

Is there a crime involved in the desire of seeking knowledge ? I guess not. Nor is there a crime involved in knowing through vibration and meditation what the future holds for you. Some of these very intimate claims, at times create issues. But by and large they are most welcome. The human has been designed in a particular manner and when he or she cannot perform the natural traits, they resort to the supernatural.

These people or call them new age discoverers, live with a hope that can solve any issue. What needs to be seen is the desire to float even further. And when the soothsayer does proclaim thoughts and ideas that are noble and just and caring, somewhere there is belief that ‘what will be will be’, even if its the sweetest gift of all from the ‘management’ !!

It chimes past 2 AM ! Not the most necessary time for night slumber. But it must be observed and reckoned with, along with some of the images that they never come your way - or perhaps they do !!

Love you all immensely … keep well and soon I shall be getting into the ‘yellow ‘ mode ..!!

Amitabh Bachchan