For millions of Indians, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is more than a television show. Hosted primarily by Amitabh Bachchan, it has turned ordinary contestants into millionaires and given families hope of a better future.
But behind the bright lights and crore-rupee prizes, KBC has also faced lottery scams, legal disputes, controversial questions and stories of winners struggling after sudden fame.
Here’s a look at the lesser-known side of KBC.
1. The ₹25 Lakh Lottery Scam
One of the biggest problems associated with KBC is a fraud that uses the show’s popularity to trick people.
Victims receive WhatsApp messages or calls claiming they have won a ₹25 lakh KBC lottery. Scammers then demand processing fees, GST or other payments before releasing the supposed prize.
The truth? These messages are not proof of a genuine win. Never pay strangers to claim a prize or share your banking details with unknown callers.
2. The Paid SMS Controversy
KBC has also faced legal scrutiny over its viewer-participation contests.
In 2007, its Har Seat Hot Seat contest allowed viewers to answer questions through SMS. Airtel charged ₹2.40 per message, leading to complaints about the pricing and fairness of the contest.
In 2008, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission imposed ₹1 crore in punitive damages on Star India and Airtel. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision in January 2020, finding the unfair-trade-practice ruling legally unsustainable on the evidence presented.
3. Questions That Sparked Public Outrage
Even a quiz show can face backlash when questions touch on religion, history and cultural identity.
In 2020, a KBC question involving Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Manusmriti triggered criticism and an FIR against Amitabh Bachchan and the show’s makers.
In 2019, another question referring to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj without his royal title sparked outrage. Sony TV and Amitabh Bachchan subsequently apologised.
These incidents highlighted the importance of accuracy and sensitivity when presenting historical subjects to millions of viewers.
4. The Tax Reality of Winning Crores
Winning a crore sounds incredible, but contestants do not necessarily take home the full advertised amount.
Game-show winnings are subject to special tax provisions under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act. Taxes and applicable deductions can substantially reduce the final payout.
Harshvardhan Nawathe, KBC’s first ₹1 crore winner, also faced a prolonged tax dispute. His experience showed that managing a major prize can involve complicated financial and legal responsibilities.
5. When Winning ₹5 Crore Wasn’t Enough
Sushil Kumar, who won ₹5 crore in 2011, later spoke publicly about the difficulties that followed his victory.
He described failed business ventures, misplaced trust, pressure to donate money and struggles with alcohol and smoking addiction. His experience demonstrated that sudden wealth does not automatically guarantee happiness or financial stability.
Final Verdict
KBC remains one of India’s most recognisable television shows, and these controversies do not prove that the quiz itself is fake or rigged.
However, its history offers important lessons about fraud, financial responsibility and the challenges of sudden fame.
The biggest takeaway? Enjoy the show, but stay alert to fake lottery messages, understand the taxes on prize money and remember that winning crores is only the beginning of managing wealth wisely.