Annu Kapoor to bring back Antakshari?

Veteran actor and anchor Annu Kapoor, who hosted Antakshari for 12 years, wants to revive the classical format of the musical gameshow on television through his soon-to-be-launched production house.

Veteran actor and anchor Annu Kapoor, who hosted Antakshari for 12 years, wants to revive the classical format of the musical gameshow on television through his soon-to-be-launched production house.

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“If I get a chance, I will try to do it again with my company. The format might be a little revamped to match the current trends. But the simplicity, the Indianness, the basic values along with the entertainment quotient will be retained by us,” Kapoor says.

Debuting on Zee TV in 1994, Antakshari had ruled TRPs for more than a decade as it struck an instant chord with the audiences due to its ‘desi’ appeal. Co-hosting with the girl-next-door Renuka Shahane, the inimitable Kapoor brought his wit, warmth and ingenuity to the show. But with the invasion of international formats on TV, Antakshari was left behind in the race.

Kapoor, 54, who also anchored Meri Awaaz Suno, is now hosting classical music show Idea Jalsa – Music for the Soul on Zee TV. “Shows like Antakshari and Jalsa are very close to my heart because they are sans controversies, Rakhi Sawant or vulgarity. They reflect true Indian culture and values through the medium of music," Kapoor says.