Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 8: The shooting of veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 has reportedly been halted for the past week due to the megastar's health concerns.
According to an IANS report, a source said Bachchan has not been keeping well, prompting the makers to temporarily suspend the filming of new episodes. Meanwhile, the channel has been re-airing episodes featuring celebrity guests as part of its Diwali special week.
The last major celebrity episode reportedly filmed for the show featured Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey, who appeared to promote their upcoming film Ramayana. The episode was initially planned to coincide with the film's release. However, owing to Bachchan's health concerns, the schedule was reportedly revised, and the episode was included in the channel's Diwali special week.
The shoot is expected to resume next week, subject to the actor's health. "The shoot will resume hopefully from next week but only if his health allows," the source was quoted as saying.
Bachchan, who has hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati for several seasons, recently reflected on his gradual return to routine and his bond with fans in a blog post on Saturday. He described returning to work and a controlled daily schedule, while also expressing gratitude to his well-wishers and the show's audience.
He said his connection with blog readers, Sunday well-wishers and KBC viewers remained a constant source of affection and warmth, adding that he prayed for their well-being.
The actor's health has often been a matter of concern for his fans. In 1982, he suffered a near-fatal abdominal injury while filming a fight sequence for Coolie. A mistimed blow during a scene with actor Puneet Issar left him critically injured, and he underwent multiple surgeries.
Bachchan has often credited the prayers and affection of his fans with supporting him through that difficult period. He has also described August 2, the day he returned home after the accident, as his "second birthday".