May 22, 2025: It is cheer time for Salman Khan fans as he is reportedly in advanced talks to host KBC 17, the popular Kaun Banega Crorepati show on prime-television, replacing Amitabh Bachchan, who has helmed the iconic quiz show since 2000. This potentially marks an end of an era, and it will be worth the wait how Salman Khan can give KBC a new dimension.
According to industry sources, the Bollywood superstar is being considered as the new face of the show, with insiders revealing that discussions are at a serious stage. The shift comes as Bachchan is expected to step back due to personal reasons.
If confirmed, this change would mark only the second time Bachchan has not hosted the show—Shah Rukh Khan stepped in briefly for Season 3 in 2007. However, Salman’s mass appeal, especially across smaller towns, is being cited as a major reason for his potential selection.
KBC 17: Bachchan Era to End, Salman May Take Charge
“He brings unmatched TV presence and connects strongly with the heartland audience. The producers see him as the best fit after Big B,” a source familiar with the talks revealed.
The buzz adds a layer of intrigue to KBC 17, which Sony TV had earlier confirmed with a promotional video starring Amitabh Bachchan. Registrations for the season opened in April via the SonyLIV app and other platforms, with the show expected to return in August.
What sets this development apart is the high-stakes gamble—can any star truly match the gravitas of Amitabh Bachchan on a show so deeply tied to his legacy?
The decision, if finalized, could spark one of the most talked-about transitions in Indian television history, reshaping how audiences engage with the long-running game show.