Special Episode of KBC 16: Shreya Ghoshal Reveals ‘Khuda Gawah’ as Her Childhood Favorite, Amitabh Bachchan Reflects on the Film’s Journey
The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 16, airing on September 20, featured two of India’s most beloved singers, Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam, who graced the show to promote Indian Idol. The episode was packed with heartwarming memories, including Shreya Ghoshal’s fond recollection of watching Amitabh Bachchan’s classic film Khuda Gawah. The moment sparked a touching conversation where Big B shared behind-the-scenes stories of the film’s shooting in Afghanistan, a country that played a crucial role in the making of the movie.
Shreya Ghoshal’s First Movie Experience: A Tribute to ‘Khuda Gawah’
During the special episode, when Amitabh Bachchan engaged Shreya Ghoshal in a light-hearted Q&A session, she opened up about her favorite movie. Shreya revealed that Khuda Gawah holds a special place in her heart, as it was the first film she watched on VCR as a child in her hometown of Rawatbhata, Rajasthan. She fondly shared how her entire family, along with neighbors and friends, gathered multiple times to watch the film, making it a cherished part of her childhood memories.
Shreya’s connection to Khuda Gawah was so strong that she and Sonu Nigam surprised Amitabh Bachchan by singing the title track of the film on the KBC stage. Their soulful rendition of the song took Big B down memory lane, prompting him to share some lesser-known facts about the making of the film, leaving both the audience and the guests captivated.
Amitabh Bachchan on Filming ‘Khuda Gawah’ in Afghanistan: A Unique Experience
Amitabh Bachchan revealed to the KBC audience that Khuda Gawah was shot in Afghanistan, a country that welcomed the Indian film crew with open arms. The shoot was an extraordinary experience, as large crowds of Afghan locals gathered daily to watch the cast and crew in action. Surprisingly, the locals were not there just to observe the shooting. According to Amitabh Bachchan, they would also perform their traditional songs while the shoot was ongoing, bringing a unique cultural charm to the experience.
One of the traditional Afghan folk tunes sung by the locals during the shoot caught the attention of the film’s team. This beautiful melody was later incorporated into the movie, and it became a significant part of the film’s iconic soundtrack, now beloved by audiences worldwide.
Shooting in Mazar-e-Sharif: A Challenging Yet Memorable Journey
Amitabh Bachchan shared that filming in Afghanistan, particularly in the Mazar-e-Sharif region, was no easy task. The rugged terrain, combined with scenes that required him to ride horses, posed several challenges. Despite these difficulties, the film crew was met with immense hospitality from the Afghan people. Big B recounted a touching moment when he discovered that the crowds had gathered not to watch the shoot but to personally welcome him and the team. Since there were no hotels in the area, the locals offered them places to stay, further demonstrating the incredible warmth of Afghan hospitality.
During this conversation, Amitabh Bachchan also spoke about Sridevi, who played a pivotal role in Khuda Gawah. Together, they created one of the most iconic films of the era, and their on-screen chemistry continues to resonate with fans across the globe.
Global Appeal of Amitabh Bachchan: Praised by Shreya Ghoshal
After listening to Amitabh Bachchan’s vivid recollections of filming Khuda Gawah, Shreya Ghoshal couldn’t resist expressing her admiration for the superstar. She praised him for his global appeal, stating that wherever she travels, people are eager to know more about him and his legacy. Shreya emphasized that Amitabh Bachchan is not only famous in India but also deeply loved by audiences worldwide.
In a heartwarming gesture, Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam announced that the money they win from their participation in KBC would be donated to the Smit Foundation, adding a charitable touch to this special episode.
KBC 16 Episode Highlights: A Mix of Nostalgia and Music
The episode was filled with warmth, nostalgia, and music, as two of India’s most loved singers paid tribute to one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors. Amitabh Bachchan’s stories of Khuda Gawah’s production offered a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges and unique experiences that shaped the film.
Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam’s presence brought a melodious touch to the quiz show, and their heartfelt performance left the audience spellbound. The episode served as a beautiful reminder of the timeless nature of Bollywood films and the enduring legacy of actors like Amitabh Bachchan, who continue to inspire generations.
