Madhuri: still the first choice!

Komal Nahta

Turns out that the makers of Sawaal Dus Crore Ka turned to Anupam Kher as host of Zee TV's answer to Kaun Banega Crorepati, after cutting no dice with Madhuri Dixit.

There was even talk of actor Paresh Rawal being approached to host the show. But the honours, for now, go to actor Anupam Kher.

Rikku, Madhuri's secretary, explains why the actress will not pose a threat -- for now -- to the big B: "Dates were a problem. She simply wasn't available. Besides, at the moment, she is determined to spend her fast-approaching first wedding anniversary with Dr Shriram Nene. For the moment, she is no hurry to face the camera."

The point, though, if reliable sources are to be believed, is that Madhuri is Zee's first choice and there is no move being made to replace her. Though Anupam Kher has been finalised for the first three months as host of SDCK, in all likelihood, negotiations are still on to get Madhuri to dazzle contestants.