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@article{189562,
        author = {Dr. Mansi Tripathi},
        title = {From Icon to Intimate: Exploring Parasocial Relationships in Indian Media through Amitabh Bachchan’s Presence on Kaun Banega Crorepati},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {7750-7758},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189562},
        abstract = {This study investigates the formation and dynamics of parasocial relationships by analyzing Amitabh Bachchan’s on-screen presence as host of the Indian quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. It examines how his communicative strategies foster viewer perceptions of intimacy, trust, and emotional connection within the Indian media landscape. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research integrates content analysis of ten episodes aired between 2020 and 2024, semi-structured interviews with 25 diverse viewers, and online discourse analysis from YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. The findings indicate that Bachchan’s consistent use of direct eye contact, conversational tone, and empathetic language contributes to an illusion of personal interaction. Viewers commonly identified with his authenticity and cultural symbolism, reinforcing his resonance as a national figure. Online discussions further reveal that audiences extend these relationships into digital spaces through personal storytelling and collective interpretations. The study concludes that parasocial relationships in Indian media are multifaceted and culturally embedded, shaped by a blend of emotional engagement, symbolic familiarity, and narrative structure. Bachchan’s public persona functions simultaneously as an authoritative mentor and a relatable familial figure, intensifying emotional bonds with audiences. These findings offer insights into how media personalities construct enduring viewer connections and provide implications for the design of emotionally engaging broadcast content.},
        keywords = {Parasocial relationships, Indian television, Amitabh Bachchan, Media intimacy, Audience engagement, Cultural communication, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Qualitative media analysis.},
        month = {December},
        }