In a surprising career move, Marathi director Nagraj Manjule is making his foray into the television industry as the host for the third season of Kon Honaar Crorepati ( KHC ), the Marathi edition of Kaun Banega Crorepati ( KBC ). The original game show achieved an iconic status with Amitabh Bachchan as its host and became staple family viewing in the early 2000s. Manjule, a self-confessed Bachchan fan, is also making his Hindi directorial debut, Jhund, starring the veteran actor.
Coincidentally, it was amidst the shoot of his film that he signed the contract for KHC. On sharing the news with Bachchan, the director fondly remembers the conversations that followed. “He was telling me about the different kinds of people he met on the show. Some contestants would be shy in front of him and the camera so he had to make them comfortable enough to talk. While others who would talk a lot, needed to be guided back to the topic at hand.” Being around the actor also taught Manjule invaluable lessons, he says. “His work ethic, professionalism, dedication and sincerity are beyond compare. Even with KBC , he is the iconic host who has taken the show to new heights. Trying to copy or emulate him is a futile attempt, it’s just not possible. But I was really happy to have the opportunity to work and learn from Bachchan sir,” emphasises Manjule.
Used to working behind the camera, there were things that Manjule needed to work on to fit into the role of a host, physically and mentally. “I have been grooming myself, taking care of my health, eating and exercising properly so that I look presentable onscreen. This was something that I didn’t need to do as a director. After a long time, I’m getting to learn something new so it’s great!” says an enthusiastic Manjule. He also learnt to compartmentalise as there were days when he was working on his film and shooting for the game show. “When you’re onscreen and a host, you have to follow the format, the rules, you have to concentrate and work. As a director-writer-producer, there are a lot of things that are happening at the back of your mind, there may be some difficulties or some pressures that one needs to sort through. One has to be mindful of not letting it affect [the] role of the host. I am learning and will probably improve on this slowly,” he asserts.
When asked about the style, he wants to bring to the show, Manjule is quick to reply, “We are also making the show in a different language, it is my language, Marathi, and I have a certain outlook which will be reflected on the show. I will try to give it my all . Zindagi badal dene wala aur logon ke khwabon ko sach karne wala show hai. There are many reality shows which have mindless drama, this is not one of them.”
Manjule’s films, like Fandry (2014) and the blockbuster Sairat (2016) have portrayed real and passionate stories from the rural heartland starring mostly non-actors. Finding the common thread between his films and KHC , he says, “The show also showcases real, common people and my films are showcase real lives and stories which are entertaining as well as thought-provoking. Lives [of the actors] have changed with the films. I want to present something to my audience that I feel is important. Here as well, lives will change overnight,” he asserts.
Watch Kon Honaar Crorepati on Sony Marathi
