New Delhi:

Unfazed by comparisons to Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan is busy rehearsing for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and basking in the buzz created by the promos.

The stage is set for the third innings of KBC, which is to go on air on January 22. Shah Rukh is all set to win the audiences over if the warm ad campaign is any indication. “Shah Rukh is a general knowledge freak and I am a general knowledge fan too. I am eagerly waiting for the show to go on air. Comparisons are unfounded because Shah Rukh has his own style and he will do it in his own way,” Nikhil Advani, who directed the star in Kal Ho Naa Ho, said.

Shah Rukh’s determination to win had him put up mock sets of the KBC show at his home — Mannat — so that he could practice. He reportedly rehearses five hours daily with friends like Karan Johar, Farah Khan and Ganesh Hegde.

According to a study by Hansa Research for Optimum Media Solutions, Amitabh is more popular as an anchor among all age groups and genders. The research showed that 71 per cent of those who participated in the poll are willing to give the programme an initial try while eight per cent will not watch it at all and 21 per cent will watch all episodes.

“Shah Rukh is a phenomenal guy and he is not going to play any role on this show. He is going to be what he is, a very down to earth, humble guy. He will be extremely charming and people are going to have more lighter moments on the show because he is determined to make them happy,” said Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar, creative director of O&M, which conceptualised the promos.

The research explored host preference, interest in programme, changes expected by viewers, reaction time, competitive slots and implication for advertisers. As expected Shah Rukh has more takers among women and younger audiences.

“I am getting more calls from female journalists.

This shows his popularity among women. I am not a diehard Shah Rukh fan, but I have seen him rehearsing for the show and have changed my opinion about him.

He is vibrant, hardworking and extremely energetic. I am confident that he will be able pull it off very well,” added Mahabaleshwarkar.

The format of the game show will stay with minor changes — the set has been changed and the background will be red.

“Bachchan is like a sky for us that’s why the colour was blue but main is desh ka lal hoon (I am this country’s darling) so the colour is red,” explains Shah Rukh.