It is difficult to judge,going by the media reports,who should be more elated at the news of Amitabh Bachchan returning to the Tube to host Bigg Boss Season 3 and be its official 'Pop-Philosopher (err..what exactly is that?) on Colors Channel. Another report also mentions Amitabh's role to be the 'voice of reason' in Bigg Brother.Voice of Reason????So,what exactly goes around in the reality house?In the CEO's words,' It's Bollywood Ka Boss meets Bigg Boss.'

Fair enough. Amitabh Bachchan has shown the Indian audience the amazing level of engagement and involvement through the one that started the reality show pandemic in India - the legendary Kaun Banega Crorepati.It even paved way for his comeback into the Silver Screen,this time as the Hero risen from the Ashes (well,almost).
10 years down the line,since KBC was aired in 2000,the dynamics have changed.The commercials have skyrocketed and the TRP's are desperate for at least a semblance of participation from the aam TV janta,armed to its teeth with the TV remote.It makes sense to bring the 'might ' of the Amitabh Bachchan phenomenon for the second time around,albeit in a different avatar,for public consumption through TV.

But the nagging question remains,how badly does the Big B need Bigg Boss? Firstly,there is the insanely high commercials and remuneration.And then,to make good of the drawing power of the star,you plug in and ramp up the ad segment rates and frequencies to make a killing.And before you know,you are ready for the next season,this time,with a different marketing spiel to pull you in,and keep you stuck on to your living room couch.
Secondly,this is more than rhetorical,is it the bland and lacklustre performance of his releases at the Box-Office in the past few years that also becomes a decisive reason in this regard?On an average of 5 to 7 releases every year,since 2005,(after he ended his career of KBC),there has been no significant role that had brought out the acting prowess of the legend and pull his fans to the Cinemas.Before you get mighty indignant and red-in-face,please have a look at the number of releases since the past three years - Family ,Darna Zaroori Hai, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Baabul ,Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Nishabd, Cheeni Kum,Shootout at Lokhandwala, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Bhoothnath,Sarkar Raj,God Tussi Great Ho,The Last Lear and Delhi-6 this year.
True, Big B is always Big B,but the momentum seems to have slackened to a slow roll. Commercially and creatively.Here is wishing Bigg Boss Season 3 manages to rise above the sensless mediocrity with the arrival of this Pop-Philosopher at the House,and give it a modicum of pop-prominence in TV TRP ratings.Maybe, a hundred times over.