Nepali Society

Madan Krishna turns IQ into cash



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In which city is the Red Square: a) Moscow b) Beijing c) Pyongyang d) Hanoi.

Famous Nepali comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha is sensitive to criticism that his new show, Nagad Panch Lakh (500,000 Cash) is a poor copy of Kaun Banega Crorepati which is in turn patterned after Who Wants To be a Millionaire? And the thing that really gets him is when people say he does not look like Amitabh Bachchan. "Of course I don't look like Amitabh Bachchan, I don't want to look like Amitabh Bachchan," he bristles.



Despite his initial reluctance, Madan Krishna took the plunge anyway and decided to think globally and act locally. The education and information content of his programme, he reasoned, would go a long way in making young Nepalis more knowledgeable about their own country and world-especially given the present mediocre entertainment on television.



"We are having teething problems, there are lots of things to sort out, the questions, the answers, the participants. But we are getting the hang of it," says Madan Krishna. "We are learning as we go along."



The show is aired at weekend prime time on Nepal Television: Saturday at 8:25 after the news. One episode of paanch lakh costs two lakhs to shoot, and five episodes are already in the pipeline. Audience feedback so far is mixed, but there is a lot of interest in taking part. Potential participants have to fill out a postcard questionnaire and mail it to the producers, 25 are chosen from a lucky draw for interviews where they are evaluated for their on-stage presence, their IQ and spontaneity. Eight are shortlisted and join the programme. So far no one has won Rs 500,000 although one brain bagged Rs 125,000 last week.



Madan Krishna and comedy partner Hari Bansha Acharya who have made hit films and comedy shows are now pursuing individual careers in entertainment. And the pull of television is definitely there. Madan Krishna adds a light touch to the general knowledge quiz, and sets his studio audience and participants at ease with his banter and self-deprecating humour. But with us he suddenly turns serious: "I have often wondered, what is the best way to serve the country through television. This is quite effective: you raise the IQ of your participants and viewers while entertaining them with a contest."



Oh yes, the Red Square is in Moscow.





(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013) LATEST ISSUE



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