Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati Prize Money

For 25 years, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has been one of the most iconic shows on Indian television. Hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the show has not only entertained millions but also changed lives by giving ordinary Indians the chance to win extraordinary amounts of money. Over the years, KBC has become more than just a quiz program — it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined family television and turned prime time into a nationwide ritual.

With jackpots ranging from ₹1 crore in its early years to ₹7 crore today, KBC has distributed what Siddhartha Basu, the show’s creator and producer, describes as “a couple of hundred crores” in prize money. That’s a staggering amount by any standard, and it reflects the trust and popularity that KBC has enjoyed since its inception.

The Beginning of a Phenomenon

When KBC launched in 2000, Indian television was at a turning point. Reality shows were just beginning to gain traction, but no one had seen anything on this scale. Amitabh Bachchan’s presence gave the show gravitas and mass appeal. The jackpot of ₹1 crore was, at the time, life-changing money and a first for Indian television.

KBC’s format was adapted from the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, but its execution in India was uniquely local. From Bachchan’s warmth to the Hindi-language format, the show quickly resonated with families across the country.

Prize Money Over the Years

The prize structure has evolved dramatically:

• 2000 (Season 1): Jackpot of ₹1 crore

• 2001–2010: Gradual increases with new lifelines and changes in format

• 2011 onwards: Jackpot increased to ₹5 crore

• 2014 onwards: Jackpot raised to ₹7 crore

Today, the maximum prize stands at ₹7 crore, making it one of the highest-paying quiz shows in Asia.

Total Prize Payouts

According to Siddhartha Basu, who has been associated with the show for over two decades, KBC has distributed “a couple of hundred crores” in winnings to contestants. Unlike the fictionalized portrayal in Slumdog Millionaire, where the game show industry was depicted as exploitative, KBC has genuinely changed lives.

KBC and Slumdog Millionaire: Fact vs Fiction

One of the most famous cultural correlations with KBC is Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The film, based on Vikas Swarup’s book Q & A, featured a similar quiz show format with Anil Kapoor playing the host.

Swarup himself admitted that KBC was the inspiration behind his novel. He recalled how, when Amitabh Bachchan appeared on TV at 9 p.m., people became “anti-social,” glued to their screens. This cultural dominance inspired him to craft a story around a contestant whose life experiences prepared him to answer every question.

However, unlike KBC, the show in Slumdog Millionaire is depicted as rigged, with producers reluctant to actually give away the prize money. This stark contrast made some of KBC’s team uncomfortable, especially since they had even assisted Danny Boyle by setting up the studio in Mumbai for the film.

How KBC Became a Cultural Revolution

KBC’s success lies in more than its prize money. It tapped into India’s collective aspiration for knowledge-driven success. Contestants came from all walks of life — teachers, housewives, students, farmers — and their stories became as important as the quiz itself.

• Knowledge as Power: The show reinforced the idea that education and awareness can change destinies.

• Family Entertainment: KBC became a ritual where families gathered around the TV every evening.

• Lifelines: “Phone-a-Friend” and “Audience Poll” became household phrases, adding excitement and relatability.

• Big B Factor: Amitabh Bachchan’s charisma, humility, and authority as the host elevated the format to new heights.

Iconic Winners Over the Years

Several contestants have etched their names into KBC history:

• Harshvardhan Nawathe – The first-ever ₹1 crore winner in 2000.

• Sunmeet Kaur Sawhney – A housewife who won ₹5 crore in 2012.

• Sushil Kumar – The first contestant to bag the ₹5 crore prize in 2011.

• Season 14 & 15 contestants – Continuing the legacy with millionaires who represent India’s diverse population.

Each winner’s story added to the mythology of KBC — that dreams can indeed come true on national television.

The Numbers Speak

• 25 years of KBC

• Over 1,000 episodes aired

• Hundreds of contestants turned into crorepatis

• Cumulative prize money worth “hundreds of crores”

This isn’t just entertainment; it’s a socio-cultural movement that merged education, aspiration, and opportunity into a single format.

The Digital Shift

Today, KBC isn’t limited to television. With platforms like SonyLiv and ColorsTV streaming, the show reaches younger, tech-savvy audiences who may not tune into traditional broadcasts. Online quizzes, interactive play-alongs, and digital promotions have further expanded KBC’s reach.

Conclusion

For a quarter of a century, Kaun Banega Crorepati has been more than a quiz show. It has been a beacon of hope, an equalizer that brings together rich and poor, urban and rural, educated and self-taught — all under Amitabh Bachchan’s reassuring gaze.

While movies like Slumdog Millionaire presented a darker version of quiz shows, the reality of KBC has been one of generosity, authenticity, and life-changing impact. With hundreds of crores in prize money distributed, the show stands as proof that knowledge can truly change lives.

As the jackpot now sits at ₹7 crore, one thing is certain: KBC’s legacy of rewarding knowledge and inspiring dreams will continue to shine for years to come.

FAQs About Kaun Banega Crorepati

Q1. How much prize money has KBC given out in 25 years?
A: According to producer Siddhartha Basu, KBC has paid out “a couple of hundred crores” in winnings since 2000.

Q2. What is the current jackpot prize on KBC?
A: The current jackpot stands at ₹7 crore.

Q3. Who was the first KBC crorepati?
A: Harshvardhan Nawathe became the first ₹1 crore winner in 2000.

Q4. Is KBC connected to Slumdog Millionaire?
A: Yes. The novel Q & A that inspired the film was based on KBC’s success, and the show’s team even assisted in building the set for the movie.

Q5. Where can I watch KBC online?
A: KBC is available to stream on SonyLiv and ColorsTV.