Programming head Sameer Nair had let it slip some time in December last that Star might at some point consider taking its Kaun Banega Crorepati gameshow off air for a while to keep interest alive. There was a storm raised at the time with hurried clarifications that no such move was planned.

Wonder what the reaction would be today if he were to make a similar statement. With TRPs (television rating points) slipping and soaps ruling the roost again like in days of yore, Star is going to cut down the frequency of KBC from four episodes to three on weekdays from next month. A Kiddies KBC is planned on the weekend, and will probably be slotted for Sunday, according to Yash Khanna, head communications**.

"We have two big serials lined up for the prime time slot, Ji Mantriji, is one of them," Khanna said, adding that these serials would make up for the absence of KBC.

Star may well have to take KBC off air for a while at some point to give the viewers a breather. Interest is definitely waning and it makes sense for Star to give itself some lead time in which it can make plans to go forth and multiply.

So don't be surprised if KBC announces a monsoon break.

That aside, it is clear that the weekend Kiddies KBC is aimed at scuppering Sony Entertainment Television's Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke. And Sony hasn't been sleeping while Star works on ways to eat into JCPK. Recent ads appearing in print and on the telly exhort viewers to watch Sony Entertainment Television Monday to Thursday, 9 PM to 10 PM and get a chance to be on JCPK. Its not a coincidence that KBC airs at that time on star Plus.

**In the report originally posted, Yash Khanna was inadvertantly referred to as head of programming when his correct designation is that of communications head. The error is regretted.