KBC 18: Amitabh Bachchan Says Bollywood’s History Will Be ‘Before and After Dilip Kumar’

Amitabh Bachchan’s admiration for legendary actor Dilip Kumar is well known, and it surfaced once again on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18. During a conversation with a contestant, Big B delivered a heartfelt tribute that has since gone viral across social media, once again underlining just how deeply Dilip Kumar’s legacy continues to shape the way Bollywood’s own stars talk about their industry’s history. For more updates from the world of Hindi cinema, check out our Bollywood section.

What Happened on the Show

During the episode, Amitabh Bachchan was in conversation with contestant Manjeet Singh, and the discussion turned toward the personalities who have shaped the history of Hindi cinema. As the two spoke about the industry’s most influential figures, Amitabh once again brought up Dilip Kumar, describing him as a towering, unmatched presence in Bollywood’s story.

Speaking in Hindi, Amitabh remarked that whenever the history of Hindi cinema is written, it will always be divided into two eras: “Before Dilip Kumar ji” and “After Dilip Kumar ji.“ The line captured, in a single sentence, just how central Dilip Kumar’s contribution is considered to be — not just to a generation of actors, but to Hindi cinema as an art form itself.

Touched by the moment, contestant Manjeet Singh turned the compliment toward Amitabh himself, suggesting that after Dilip Kumar, it would be Amitabh Bachchan who defined the next chapter of that history. The comment drew loud applause from the studio audience. True to his humility, however, Amitabh quickly redirected the credit back to Dilip Kumar, reaffirming that in his view, Dilip Saab remains a pillar of Hindi cinema that nobody can truly surpass.

Why This Moment Resonated

This isn’t the first time Amitabh Bachchan has used almost this exact framing to describe Dilip Kumar’s place in film history. When Dilip Kumar passed away in 2021 at the age of 98, Amitabh had used strikingly similar words in his tribute, saying that Indian cinema’s history would always be split into a before and after defined by Dilip Kumar. The fact that Amitabh brought up the same sentiment again on KBC 18, years later and in a completely different context, speaks to how permanently that admiration has stayed with him.

For viewers, the moment also served as a gentle reminder of a legacy that spans generations. Dilip Kumar, often referred to as the tragedy king of Bollywood, built a career across more than six decades and is widely regarded as one of the finest actors Hindi cinema has ever produced. His influence extended well beyond his own performances — shaping the acting styles and screen presence of stars who came after him, including Amitabh Bachchan himself. Much like veteran icons continue to dominate conversations in Hindi cinema, the industry’s current stars regularly find themselves at the centre of similar entertainment news cycles, showing how personalities old and new keep audiences engaged.

The Bachchan-Dilip Kumar Connection

Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar shared screen space in the 1982 film Shakti, directed by Ramesh Sippy, a film still remembered for the intensity both actors brought to their roles. Their professional association, combined with Amitabh’s long-standing personal admiration for the veteran actor, has meant that Dilip Kumar’s name comes up frequently whenever Amitabh reflects on the history and evolution of Hindi cinema — whether on his own social media, in interviews, or now, once again, on the hot seat of KBC.

About KBC Season 18

Kaun Banega Crorepati, India’s most popular general knowledge game show, is currently airing its 18th season with Amitabh Bachchan continuing his long-running role as host. The show, based on the international Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? format, airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and is also available for streaming on Sony LIV. Beyond testing contestants’ knowledge, the show has increasingly become a platform where Amitabh shares personal reflections, industry anecdotes and, as seen in this episode, tributes to the icons who shaped his own journey in Hindi cinema.

Conclusion

Amitabh Bachchan’s tribute to Dilip Kumar on KBC 18 wasn’t scripted for a big media moment — it emerged naturally out of a conversation with a contestant, which is perhaps what made it resonate so widely once clips began circulating online. It’s a reminder that even decades into his own legendary career, Amitabh continues to view Dilip Kumar’s contribution to Hindi cinema as something unmatched — a legacy so significant that, in his words, it splits the entire history of the industry into a clear before and after.