Web post goes viral about enormous revenues earned by the quiz show through SMS only

Moneylife Digital Team

The fifth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati hasn't failed to deliver. Soon after it started airing, a webpost has appeared on many forums and discussion boards, talking about how the Crorepati makers themselves are rolling in the moolah, thanks to all the aspirants' sms and phone calls.

"Many viewers of Kaun Banega Crorepati have a nagging question: how are the sponsors able to dole out so much money for the seemingly simple questions," starts the post. While the question may appear banal, we understand the angst. When we see Rs 10,000 handed out to someone who answers who wrote the Ramayana after frowning intensely at the computer screen for 10 minutes, we ask the same question too.  

Anyway, back to the show. Of course, the advertisers are there. But then, so are the sms and the phone calls. The web post offers a hypothetical estimate. "Airtel is charging Rs.6/- per SMS sent for this contest. Assuming there are only 100 entries from say 10 cities of some 20 districts in 20 states.  (Rs6/SMS) x 100(entries) x 10(cities) x 20(districts) x 20(states) =6x 100 x 10 x 20 x 20 = Rs.24,00,000. Imagine what if 1000 entries from 100 cities?"
How believable is the math? Not every state has 20 districts, and people from some states may be more occupied with other things. And then, why should we just multiply by Rs 24 lakh by 100? But the number can be adjusted, because the number of sms received are much more.

So yes, that's Rs 24 crores, considering the minimal numbers. Just from sms. And unlike other reality show voting, people eagerly message to KBC numbers, seeking the blessings of lady luck.

And just to rub in the more sour fact: nobody has won the Rs 2 crore prize money. And that is Rs 24 crores from frenzied, hyper-enthusiastic texting.