There’s an old Bengali proverb: “Lekhapora korey jey gari-ghora chorey shey”. Roughly translated, it means that a person who studies would get to ride cars and horses i.e. they’d be rich. Few will sense the literal meaning of this proverb more than the nervous contestants on the hot seat of the world famous reality TV show that has come to Bangladesh. A correct answer to a question means monetary reward for the contestant, while a wrong answer will result in his/ her elimination. No wonder as the lights and camera starts rolling, the tension is high.
Welcome to “Ke Hote Chay Kotipoti”, the Bangladeshi franchise of the internationally acclaimed intellect-based reality TV show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. On July 10, 2011, the show went on air on Desh TV.
Contestants have the chance to win up to Tk one crore by answering 15 questions correctly in a row. The show is hosted by Asaduzzaman Noor, best known for his performances in some of Bangladesh’s most popular TV plays and serials.
As the programme kicked off, there were initially huge expectations when the first contestant Shudipta Sarkar, a student of Dhaka Medical College, won a fairly huge amount of Tk 12,50,000. Unfortunately, others failed to follow in her footsteps. The performances of some of the contestants were disappointing. Many were left dumbfounded as a contestant failed to answer what a green traffic signal means. He then went for an audience poll. Twelve percent of the audience opined a green signal means that cars have to stop! That might partly explain the chaotic traffic of this city.
Yet with the episodes still rolling, there is always the chance that some brilliant and colourful characters shall occupy the hot seat this season. Speaking of colourful characters, the energy and spirit of many of the contestants and their conversations with the host have been sources of much entertainment. As far as the host is concerned, his performance has been enjoyable for the viewers and reassuring for the organisers.
Hopefully, Noor, who has been more or less absent from the TV for so long as an artiste will be able to live up to the expectations of viewers who have been taking a keen interest in his role as the host of “Ke Hote Chay Kotipoti”.
“Ke Hote Chay Kotipoti” is aired at 9:45pm, Sunday through Tuesday. The programme is re-telecast on Monday through Wednesday at 2:50pm.
-With The Daily Star input
