Amitabh Bachchan returned as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 and the show’s second episode delivered a memorable moment when he openly praised Shah Rukh Khan’s acting in the 2004 film Swades. During a question about SRK’s most iconic film roles, the veteran actor took a moment to call the performance one of the finest in Bollywood.
The moment happened when contestant Bablu Kumar Pandit faced a question asking to name the actor who played a NASA scientist, an Indian Air Force pilot, and a hockey coach in Hindi movies. After Bablu correctly answered Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan did not just move on. He stopped to share his personal thoughts about SRK’s work.
“Swades, unki joh picture thi, mera aisa manna hai ki jo abhinay unhone Swades mein kia na, woh ekdm uttam tha. Kai baar milte hai jab main unse yahi bolta hun.”
This translates to: “Regarding his film Swades, I truly believe that the acting he delivered in it was absolutely outstanding. Whenever I meet him, I tell him exactly that.”
The Question That Led to the Praise
The question that sparked this moment tested the contestant’s knowledge of Shah Rukh Khan’s diverse filmography. The three characters mentioned were:
- A NASA scientist in Swades
- An Indian Air Force pilot in Veer-Zaara
- A hockey coach in Chak De! India
Amitabh Bachchan explained these roles to the audience, pointing out how Shah Rukh Khan brought each character to life in completely different ways. The host made it clear that he often tells SRK about his admiration for the Swades performance whenever they meet.
About the Film ‘Swades’
Swades released in 2004 and was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargava, a scientist working at NASA who returns to India after many years in the United States. During his visit, he connects with a village and feels drawn to contribute to its development.
The film marked the debut of Gayatri Joshi opposite SRK. A.R. Rahman composed the music for the movie. Swades received two National Film Awards – one for Best Male Playback Singer for Udit Narayan and another for Best Cinematography.
Many critics and audiences consider Swades one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most restrained and realistic performances. Unlike his larger-than-life roles in other films, Swades showed a quieter, more grounded side of the actor.
Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 Premiere and Special Guests
Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 premiered on August 10, 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming platform Sony LIV. Amitabh Bachchan returned as the host for this season, continuing his long association with the show.
The first episode brought together Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta, and Sunny Deol to promote their upcoming film Batwara 1947, which releases in theatres on August 14.
Amitabh Bachchan, now 83 years old, continues to work at a demanding pace. He recently shared that he has been managing professional commitments for 24 hours straight while also shooting for Kaun Banega Crorepati.
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Shah Rukh Khan’s Upcoming Projects
Shah Rukh Khan is currently preparing for his next film titled King, which also features his daughter Suhana Khan and Deepika Padukone. The movie is expected to release in December 2026.
The praise from Amitabh Bachchan on a platform as widely watched as Kaun Banega Crorepati has once again brought attention to Swades and its lasting impact on Indian cinema. The film remains a favourite among audiences who appreciate meaningful storytelling and strong performances.
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