The 70-year-old actor will feature in a mega-budget television serial which will go live later this year At a time when his chips were down, television resuscitated Amitabh Bachchan’s career. And now, 13 years after his game changing appearance as television’s most popular game show host, Amitabh Bachchan is happily paying his dues. TOI has learnt that Bachchan, who recently wrapped up the sixth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, is preparing to embrace the medium in a different way. Buzz is the 70-year-old star will top-line a daily soap that is set to go on air later this year. The project, which, say sources, is being co-produced by his banner ABCL, is a fiercely guarded secret – after all this is going to be the first time Bachchan will act in a feature show. But we have learnt auditions for the rest of the cast is being carried out at several studios in Andheri. Bachchan has apparently been toying with the idea of doing a television serial for a while now. “Last year, he held meetings with several channel producers, expressing his desire to act in a daily soap. Some of them even made a few presentations. But nothing worked out then,” says a source close to the developments. “But given that this is Bachchan’s first-ever daily soap appearance, utmost care is being taken to keep the project under wraps,” said the source, adding that an official announcement is likely next week. Early reports suggest the project is being mounted on a lavish scale. “The budgets are huge and the serial is going to be another game-changer for Mr Bachchan and the industry,” said an insider from the television industry on condition of anonymity. It is also being said that though Bachchan will be the face of the serial, but may not make an appearance in every episode. “But he will do all that he can to promote the production,” added the source. Incidentally, Big B, who likes to keep himself busy, has not signed any major films this year. “While some attributed to his health concerns, truth is, he worked out his schedule for his television debut. After his stints with KBC, he is now in love and comfortable with the medium,” said the source. And from the looks of it, the medium too is loving him back. Tune in to this channel for more.
