Mumbai, August 11 — Madhuri Dixit is returning to television hosting after more than two decades, this time as the face of Kon Honar Crorepati, the Marathi adaptation of the popular Kaun Banega Crorepati format. Sony Marathi and Sony LIV announced the veteran actress as the new host on Monday, unveiling the move with the campaign Aata Khel Badalnar ("Now the game will change"). With the appointment, Dixit becomes the first actress to front the Marathi edition of the franchise.

The first-look promo introduced Dixit in a classic Maharashtrian avatar, set to the tune of "Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai" from her blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, lending the announcement a strong nostalgic pull. Calling the show "much more than a quiz show," Dixit said it celebrates curiosity, aspiration and the courage to dream. (Read her full remarks — in her first statement, Madhuri said…)

About the show

Kon Honar Crorepati is the Marathi version of the globally successful Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? format, best known in India through Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati. Contestants take the iconic hot seat and answer progressively harder general-knowledge questions to win a life-changing cash prize, with each player's personal story forming a big part of the show's appeal.

Previous hosts and history

The Marathi edition first went on air in 2013 and has run across multiple seasons, moving from its original home to Sony Marathi. Over the years it has been anchored by well-known names — actor Sachin Khedekar hosted the bulk of its seasons, with Swapnil Joshi and filmmaker Nagraj Manjule also stepping in for individual editions. Dixit's arrival marks a fresh chapter for the long-running franchise under the Aata Khel Badalnar banner.

Madhuri's television journey

While Dixit has remained a familiar face on the small screen through judging stints on dance reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Dance Deewane, this is her first time taking charge of a full quiz show as host. She last hosted a television programme — the matchmaking show Kahin Naa Kahin Koi Hai — back in 2002, making Kon Honar Crorepati her return to hosting after roughly 24 years.

What she's been up to

On the acting front, Dixit was recently seen in the Netflix crime-comedy Maa Behen alongside Triptii Dimri, and headlined the JioHotstar thriller series Mrs. Deshpande. She has steadily balanced big-screen roles with OTT projects in recent years.

How to watch

Kon Honar Crorepati, hosted by Madhuri Dixit, will premiere soon on Sony Marathi, with streaming on Sony LIV. The official announcement can be seen on Sony Marathi's handle here. For more television updates, visit our Television and OTT & Web Series sections.