Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Salman Khan have proved that hosting a television show isn't as effortless as it appears. Agreed, the ability to connect with the viewers, and to take interest in what might appear tedious to many are some of the qualities that a host ought to possess for success on the small screen. However, many popular actors have still not emerged victorious. And in the case of Shah Rukh Khan, acceptance of the truth - that his relaxed demeanor, wit and easygoing humor hasn't been of much help to be one of the greatest TV hosts - is tough. For, Shah Rukh Khan was doing a TV serial 'Fauji' when he bagged his first Bollywood offer. So how is it possible that an actor who was lauded for playing Captain Rai in 'Fauji' (1988) and gained popularity for his roles in Aziz Mirza's TV series 'Circus' (1989-90) and Mani Kaul's miniseries 'Idiot' (1991) failed to earn applause as a TV host?
When Shah Rukh Khan replaced Amitabh Bachchan as the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' for its third season in 2007, the expectations from him were obviously high. While Big B changed the bond between TV and cinema with 'KBC', SRK was still to prove his mettle on the small screen. And King Khan, who was "pleasantly surprised" when the offer came his way, too had admitted that it would be "a huge act to follow" in the footsteps of Big B. As many felt, SRK had put his star power to test by accepting the role of the quiz master, but he wasn't as impressive as the previous host. Yes, we know he was active, vibrant and energetic, but nothing helped the viewers stay glued to the TV screens. According to reports, KBC's first season (270 episodes) earned 14.1 as the average TVR, the second season received average 11.1 TVR with 60 episodes. But the figures dropped to average 6.8 TVR in the season 3 which included a total of 53 episodes. While the drop in TVR validated show's failure at sustaining viewers' interest, it also led to rumours about a tiff between the two popular stars. As buzz had it, SRK's decision to host KBC didn't go down well with Big B, and thus began a row.
Shah Rukh's second TV project 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' hardly managed to score high points in its TRP report card. The show just didn't fail because of its bizarre concept. The host also left many irked by going overboard with his charisma and humorous remarks. While the channel referred to the ongoing IPL matches as the key reason for the show's dipping TRPs, those who watched it were aware of its shortcomings.
With 'Zor Ka Jhatka', Indian version of American show 'Wipe Out', Shah Rukh Khan's third outing as a TV host, he proved why reality shows are a strict no-no for him. Many believed that the actor spoiled his image by using crass humour, pelvic thrusts, terms like GPL and 'the big ball theory' in the show. For the uninitiated, SRK gave a running commentary on the tasks which the contestants performed in Argentina. Since SRK wasn't present in Argentina and restricted his role to comment on how the contestants performed, he failed to leave the right impact. As expected, the star was written off, rebuked and mocked for taking up a show that never allowed him to be himself.
Despite his TV debacle, Shah Rukh Khan will soon be seen on the small screen with 'Got Talent' special. As reports suggest, SRK and popular British television producer Simon Cowell will soon share stage for an event that will take place in Mumbai, and also for the show. We all know Shah Rukh is the most bankable Bollywood star and that majority of his films have raked in big moolah. But it is also true that just because he is a great actor, he can't be a stellar host. If he was one, he could have proved it by now. The truth is that it takes a certain breed to wow fans and critics alike as a show host. It takes a certain style to pull off the role of a host convincingly and make it work. Does Shah Rukh Khan lack the ability to engage an audience with warmth and wit? Well, we all know the answer, right?
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