Sep 17, 2026 10:30am IST
‘India Ke Top 1%’ Host Anil Kapoor On Why Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh Would Be Fascinating Contestants (EXCLUSIVE)
International reality show formats are rapidly dominating India’s small screen with channels and OTT platforms bringing newer properties every year. Anil Kapoor, is all set to entertain audiences as the host of “India Ke Top 1%” from September 19. It is an Indianized version of the British game, "The 1% Club" where contestants have to give logical answers to common sense questions and puzzles. Excerpts from an interview…
After ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, this is the second Indian reality show you are hosting. What attracted you to this format?
What I found exciting about “India Ke Top 1%” is that it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you think. The format is entertaining, unpredictable, and something families can enjoy together. “Bigg Boss OTT 3” was a wonderful experience, and after that, I was keen to explore another format that offered something completely different. I love challenges, and this show constantly surprises you. As a host, it’s fascinating to see how differently people approach the same problem and arrive at completely unexpected answers.
Did you watch the original international format 'The 1% Club'?
Yes, I did watch the original format (the British one) to understand its essence. Matter of fact, I watched the Australian and the American ones, too. What impressed me was how it was made intelligent, accessible and fun without being intimidating. The challenge, of course, is to make it resonate with Indian audiences, and we’ve adapted it in a way that feels relatable.
From Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar to Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, some of Bollywood’s biggest stars have hosted television shows. Have you imbibed anything from their hosting styles?
Every host brings their own personality to a show. Mr. Bachchan has an incredible ability to connect with people, Salman has a very natural ease, Akshay brings energy and spontaneity, and Ajay has a calm confidence. I’ve admired all of them, but I’ve never consciously tried to emulate anyone. I believe audiences respond best when you’re authentic and bring your own personality to the stage.
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Do you believe the mass appeal of actors from the 1980s and 1990s makes them better suited for Indian television, which has a strong reach across semi-urban and rural markets?
I don’t think it’s about a particular generation. It’s about connection. Having decades of history with audiences is certainly a wonderful advantage, but television is an intimate medium. Whether you’re from my generation or the current one, audiences connect with honesty and authenticity. Ultimately, that’s what matters most.
Which of your celebrity friends do you think would make perfect contestants for ‘India Ke Top 1%’?
Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh would make for fascinating contestants. Farah Khan would be dangerous on this show too. Knowing her, she’d probably spend half the time making fun of the questions and the other half getting all the answers right!
The show celebrates lateral thinking. Can you share an instance when you solved a problem in a unique way?
I’ve always believed that sometimes the safest decision is actually to take a risk. There have been moments in my career when I’ve chosen projects or characters that weren’t the obvious choices and people questioned those decisions. But I’ve always trusted my instincts and been open to looking at things differently. More often than not, those unconventional choices have turned out to be the most rewarding ones.
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Several international formats are being adapted for Indian audiences. As an actor and artiste, do you believe Indian creators should also focus on developing more original concepts?
Absolutely. Adaptations and original content can coexist. International formats bring proven ideas, but India has some of the most creative storytellers in the world. We should continue creating original concepts that reflect our culture, humor and experiences. Some of the most exciting content today is coming from Indian creators who are telling uniquely Indian stories.
The show also has quiz elements. Who has the best general knowledge in the Kapoor family?
That’s a dangerous question! Everyone in the family is knowledgeable in different ways, but if I had to pick one person, I’d say my wife, Sunita. She’s incredibly curious, well-informed, and always reading or discovering something new. She has a way of knowing things that the rest of us somehow missed.
What do you do when your phone has only one per cent battery remaining?
Honestly, I just embrace the peace and quiet. It’s an accidental excuse to go off the grid for a bit until I feel like plugging back in. In today’s world, that last one per cent can sometimes be surprisingly liberating.
What do you do when you have even one per cent doubt about a film’s script?
I ask questions. I discuss it with the director, writers, and my team. At the same time, filmmaking is also about instinct. If the conviction is strong and the intent is right, I’m willing to take risks. Some of the best decisions in my career came from trusting my instincts.
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