Sonali Bendre replaces Nana Patekar, 75, on Kon Honar Crorepati

Nana Patekar was expected to be part of the Kon Honar Crorepati premiere line-up with Madhuri Dixit, but the plan changed after the veteran actor died on Thursday, October 8, at 75. He passed away on the very day he was scheduled to shoot for the quiz show, leaving the makers to rework the opener with Sonali Bendre stepping in as the celebrity guest.

A last-minute change and a tribute

The appearance was meant to be a reunion of sorts: Nana and Madhuri had shared the screen in the 1998 film Wajood. Madhuri paid tribute on Instagram, remembering him as “a great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice,” and added that the industry had lost a legendary actor.

Madhuri and Sonali’s first time together

Despite long careers in Hindi cinema, Madhuri and Sonali have never worked together in a film. That changes with the premiere. Madhuri said, “Sonali and I have never done a film together. But it’s never too late! Today, we’re finally together on the sets of Kon Honar Crorepati.”

Sonali, a self-confessed Madhuri fan, said their sons go to school together, so the two meet often. She added that Madhuri’s warmth, acting and dancing make her a natural fit as host.

What the premiere will cover

The new season also brings a bigger shift: Kon Honar Crorepati now has a female host and a new tagline, Aata Khel Badalnaar, which means “Now, the game will change.” The first episode gives Sonali a cause beyond the game:

• Sonali is playing for Happy Pet Foundation and will talk about her animal welfare work and her Happy Podcast.
• Madhuri and Sonali also discuss running a household and why sharing responsibilities matters.
• Sonali shares a light detail that her mother-in-law never lets her work in the kitchen.

When and where to watch

Kon Honar Crorepati premieres on Sony Marathi on Monday, October 12, at 9 PM. The new season is expected to feature several well-known Maharashtra personalities in the coming months.

Source: The Times of India