Kaun Banega Crorepati 18: Commonwealth Games 2026 Winners to Face Amitabh Bachchan on Hotseat The iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 18 is set to feature the Commonwealth Games 2026 medalists in a special episode airing on August 17, 2026. The episode will spotlight athletes who brought pride to India, including Lovlina Borgohain, Asmita Dey, Jhandu Kumar, and Sharmila Dhankar, alongside host Amitabh Bachchan. The segment aims to celebrate their achievements and inspire viewers with their stories of perseverance. Asmita Dey, who secured India’s first-ever gold in judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, shared her journey of growing up in a rural household in Tripura and her childhood fascination with KBC. She described the experience of standing beside Amitabh Bachchan as surreal, emphasizing how the show’s reach into Indian households made her achievement a national milestone. “To bring the story of my sport to a platform like KBC is an incredible honor,” she said, highlighting the show’s role in amplifying athletes’ struggles and triumphs. Sharmila Dhankar, the first para-athletics gold medallist for India, reflected on the challenges of competing in para-sports, where athletes often train in isolation while facing societal barriers. She praised Amitabh Bachchan’s ability to uplift athletes, stating that the KBC platform validated their efforts and inspired others to overcome obstacles. “Being invited to KBC feels like a national celebration of those invisible struggles,” she remarked. Lovlina Borgohain, the silver medalist in women’s boxing, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to engage with Bachchan.#amitabh_bachchan #kaun_banega_crorepati #commonwealth_games_2026 #lovlina_borgohain #asmita_dey
Sony LIV Secures Over 20 Sponsors for KBC Season 18 Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 18 has attracted more than 20 sponsors, including Google Gemini, Malkist, PhonePe, and Bharat Petroleum, marking a significant expansion of its digital sponsorship lineup. The season has reported an 80% year-on-year surge in advertising revenue on Sony LIV, alongside a 50% increase in premium cost per thousand (CPM) rates compared to the previous season. Sony LIV attributed this growth to heightened advertiser interest in digital entertainment platforms that offer immersive brand experiences beyond conventional ad placements. The 120-episode season incorporates a blend of in-show brand integrations, KBC Play Along, and connected TV (CTV) inventory to maximize advertiser reach across both large and small screens. Brands are strategically woven into various elements of the gameplay, such as Google Gemini powering one of the lifelines, Malkist linking to contestants' journeys toward the Hot Seat, Maruti Suzuki featuring as an aspirational prize, and Bharat Petroleum and PhonePe participating in conversations about road safety, sustainability, and financial goals. Sony LIV’s KBC Play Along initiative allows viewers to engage in real-time by answering questions as episodes air, creating additional touchpoints for brand interaction. The platform highlighted the expansion of connected TV viewing, which combines family-oriented television experiences with interactive participation on mobile devices. This integration is expected to enhance advertiser engagement by leveraging cross-screen opportunities. The digital sponsorship lineup for Season 18 includes Google Gemini, PhonePe, Malkist, Bharat Petroleum, and Maruti Suzuki as co-presenting sponsors.#sony_liv #amitabh_bachchan #kaun_banega_crorepati #google_gemini #malkist
KBC Season 18 Sees 80% Year-on-Year Surge in Sony LIV Ad Revenue Sony LIV reported an 80% year-on-year increase in advertising revenue for Season 18 of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), driven by advertisers’ growing interest in digital entertainment platforms. The rise in revenue coincides with a shift in advertising strategies, as brands seek deeper engagement through in-show integrations and expanded reach across connected TVs and mobile devices. Premium cost-per-thousand (CPM) rates also rose by 50% compared to the previous season, reflecting the value advertisers place on KBC’s ability to blend brand messaging with compelling content. The season’s success is attributed to the strategic integration of brands into the show’s narrative and gameplay. Google Gemini, for instance, powers a lifeline feature, while Malkist is linked to a contestant’s journey to the Hot Seat. Maruti Suzuki serves as a prize, Bharat Petroleum is featured in discussions about road safety and sustainability, and PhonePe is integrated into conversations around financial goals. Each brand’s role is tailored to align with the show’s structure and the host Amitabh Bachchan’s storytelling, ensuring seamless incorporation into the viewing experience. KBC Play Along, a real-time participation feature, allows viewers to answer questions as the show progresses, offering advertisers opportunities to engage audiences beyond traditional ad breaks. This innovation, combined with the expansion of connected TV (CTV) viewing, enhances the platform’s appeal by providing a large-screen experience while enabling mobile-based interaction. The show’s ability to merge storytelling with interactive elements has made it a preferred choice for advertisers seeking meaningful brand visibility.#maruti_suzuki #sony_liv #amitabh_bachchan #kaun_banega_crorepati #google_gemini
Amitabh Bachchan's Unforgettable Encounter with Michael Jackson The long-awaited biopic about Michael Jackson, titled Michael, is set to premiere in theaters on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film features Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, portraying the iconic pop star. The first teaser, released on November 6, 2025, has already attracted millions of views, generating significant anticipation among fans globally. Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood actor, recently shared a personal anecdote about his encounter with Michael Jackson during a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. The story, which he described as unforgettable, recounts a chance meeting that left him deeply impressed. During a stay at a New York hotel, Bachchan recalled receiving a knock at his door. When he opened it, he was surprised to find Michael Jackson standing outside. “I almost fainted but managed to keep my composure,” Bachchan said. The encounter began as a mix-up, as Michael had arrived at the wrong room. After confirming the mistake, Michael sent someone to locate the occupant of the room he had accidentally entered. Eventually, the two were able to meet and engage in a conversation. Bachchan emphasized that despite Michael’s global fame, he remained humble and approachable. Bachchan also shared another memorable experience from a live performance by Michael Jackson in the United States. The event, which took place during a challenging journey from New York, saw the duo securing seats at the back of a stadium. All 350 hotel rooms were booked for Michael and his team, requiring significant effort to secure a viewing spot. Bachchan described the performance as extraordinary, highlighting Michael’s unparalleled singing and dancing.#new_york #michael_jackson #amitabh_bachchan #kaun_banega_crorepati #biopic_michael
