The set of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC) witnessed a light-hearted yet bold moment when comedian Krushna Abhishek, in character as Dharmendra, playfully inquired about Amitabh Bachchan's paycheck on the show. The incident, which occurred during a Diwali special episode of KBC season 17, quickly went viral, sparking widespread interest and amusement.
Krushna Abhishek, known for his comedic timing and impersonations, joined Sunil Grover, who was dressed as Amitabh Bachchan himself, on the KBC stage. Krushna, adopting the persona of Dharmendra, engaged in playful banter with the veteran actor, leaving both the audience and Amitabh Bachchan in splits. Amidst the laughter, Krushna directly asked Amitabh Bachchan, "Aap kitne paise lete ho (How much do you get paid)?".
Amitabh Bachchan, ever the sport, responded with good humor, further fueling the audience's amusement. While the exact details of his response remain undisclosed, the comedian's daring question and the actor's reaction became an instant highlight of the episode.
The exchange between Krushna and Amitabh has drawn attention to the substantial earnings of the celebrated host. According to reports, Amitabh Bachchan's salary has seen a significant increase over the years. Starting with ₹25 lakh per episode in the initial season of KBC in 2000, his earnings have soared to an estimated ₹5 crore per episode for the current season. This figure potentially makes him one of the highest-paid television hosts in India.
Amitabh Bachchan's long-standing association with KBC has been a key factor in the show's enduring success. Except for season 3, which was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Bachchan has been the face of KBC since its inception. His charismatic presence, insightful interactions with contestants, and engaging style have made him synonymous with the show.
The quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' premiered on August 11, 2025, and airs every Monday to Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television. The format includes a "Super Sawaal" bonus question with no answer options after the fifth question in the first round, giving contestants a chance to win a special power.
The evolution of Amitabh Bachchan's earnings reflects the growing popularity and stature of KBC over the years. His initial salary of ₹25 lakh per episode in the first two seasons increased to ₹50 lakh for seasons four and five. By seasons six and seven, he was reportedly earning between ₹1.5 crore and ₹2 crore per episode. This figure rose to ₹2.9 crore for season nine and ₹3 crore for season ten. For seasons 11 through 13, his fee remained steady at ₹3.5 crore per episode, before climbing to between ₹4 crore and ₹5 crore for seasons 14 and 15. For the current season 17, it is estimated that he is making ₹5 crore per episode.
The viral moment between Krushna Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan underscores the enduring appeal of KBC and the iconic status of its host. It also highlights the public's fascination with the earnings of television personalities and the intersection of comedy and celebrity culture.
