Puneeth: I was pretty scared about doing Kannadada Kotiyadhipati

Puneeth Rajkumar, Kannada cinema's reigning superstar is making his bow on television as the host of the Kannada version of the popular Hindi version of the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which is called Kannadada Kotiyadhipati.

The first episode of the game show was aired on Monday, March 12 on Suvarna Channel at 8 pm.

Puneeth had won the national award for the best child artiste for the film Bettada Hoovu. He acted in several films as a child artiste with his father, the legendary Rajkumar.

Affectionately called Appu by family and fans, Puneeth is today regarded as the Power Star of Kannada cinema.

In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Puneeth talks about Kannadada Kotiyadhipati and his preparedness to host the show.

How did this proposal of hosting a game show on television come to you?

The producers of the show asked me to host it about five months ago. Initially, I was pretty scared of doing it. I was curious to know why me because I am not really that knowledgeable.

I asked them whether it was okay for me to do such a show as I am just a tenth standard pass.

However, I should say I really don't make a distinction between television and other media. For me, it was like just doing another job.

What does this show mean to you?

I am sure there will a lot of criticism about it. It could be about the language and the way I pronounce it. But, this is the way I am. This programme connects with a lot of people.

It is not important to know how someone wins the prize money but it is important to see who wins the prize.

Did you have reservations about getting into television?

No. As this show involved working with highly professional people, I wanted to give it a shot.

How do you view television as a medium? Do you think the show will give you more exposure?

I will take this foray into television as a positive step. As I said, I don't make a distinction between television and other media. It's like doing another job. It is going to be a learning experience as everything is new to me.

What is the kind of preparedness that went into hosting this show?

First of all, I had to get used to the game and know how it is played. I had to be taught how the machine works and what it means to lock the answer.

I had to learn the cues and explanations after I pose a question to a contestant.

My responsibility entails making the contestants feel comfortable when they are occupying the hot seat opposite me.

I had to pick up various other nuances of a television show like positions and lighting.

I am not formal; I wanted to be myself on the show. I cannot be serious as I am quite jovial. The channel heads and the producers told me to be free and enjoy the programme.

What have you taken away from the show?

The game show is helping me learn so many new things particularly about Karnataka.

I came to know the answers only after the contestants answered the questions. The beauty of the show is that I am not given the answers. I am just a host.

What were the inputs that you took from Amitabh Bachchan, the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, after you met him on the sets of KBC?

I was taken to the sets of KBC just to watch the programme. It was a great privilege to actually meet him. He introduced me to the public seated in the studio and urged them to wish me good luck for the show I am hosting in Kannada.

I didn't take any tips or inputs from him as he was very busy. I got very scared looking at him and the manner in which he hosted the show so professionally. I was glued to his performance and came to know how the game is played.

What can the audience expect from Kannadada Kotiyadhipati?

They can expect the same KBC format in Kannada with Puneeth in it.