Star Plus’ ‘India Ke Top 1%’, hosted by Anil Kapoor, is gaining popularity as a family game show, bringing viewers together through questions based on logic, observation, reasoning and common sense. Since its premiere on September 19, the show has recorded three winners in its first six episodes, with Bijal Shah winning ₹94 lakh in the opening episode.

According to a JioHotstar press release, the show has also attracted more than 220,000 viewers to its Play Along experience on JioHotstar, allowing audiences to participate from home and compete for prizes such as smartphones and Smart TVs. The response has added an interactive element to the programme, encouraging viewers to test their knowledge and thinking skills alongside contestants on screen.

Based on non-celebrity game show launches on JioStar, ‘India Ke Top 1%’ has emerged as India’s biggest family game show in a decade. Produced by Banijay Asia in association with BBC Studios UK, the programme offers a fresh take on the traditional quiz format by focusing on how people think rather than simply what they know. Its questions are designed to bring the entire family into the game, turning regular television viewing into an opportunity for friendly competition.

Anil Kapoor’s energetic hosting, spontaneous humour and conversations with contestants have become an important part of the show’s appeal. Beyond the questions and winning moments, the programme also gives contestants an opportunity to share personal experiences and stories that connect with viewers.

Speaking about the response, Anil Kapoor said the show had received an encouraging reaction from audiences across the country, with messages pouring in since its launch. He thanked viewers for making the programme part of their family time and game nights with friends.

Kapoor also shared that his own family participates in the game at home. His wife, Sunita, and daughters Sonam and Rhea join in at the dinner table, with Sonam often getting the most answers right. Kapoor joked that although he hosts the show, his daughter gives him tough competition. He added that bringing families together and turning an ordinary evening into a game night was one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme.

Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO of Banijay Asia, said the show’s performance reflected the appeal of a format that combines intelligence, entertainment and family participation. He highlighted the role of the Play Along feature in extending the experience beyond the television screen and allowing viewers to become active participants.

Dhar added that the response from audiences had been encouraging and that the show’s journey in India was only beginning.

While the game remains at the centre of the programme, the personal stories of contestants have also contributed to its appeal. Their conversations with Kapoor have brought moments of warmth and emotion to the show, adding another dimension to the competition.

Among the stories highlighted are Bittu Tabahi’s efforts towards river cleaning and Mumbai auto driver Sandeep Bachche’s acts of service. These accounts have given viewers a glimpse into the contestants’ lives beyond the studio, making their appearances about more than just answering questions or winning money.

The show’s reach has also extended beyond India. As part of JioHotstar’s expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, ‘India Ke Top 1%’ featured on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, bringing additional visibility to the programme.

The combination of an established host, accessible gameplay and an interactive viewing experience has helped the show encourage participation beyond its studio audience. With its Play Along feature, viewers can take part from home, while the contestants’ stories offer a personal connection alongside the competition.

‘India Ke Top 1%’ airs every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm on Star Plus and is available to stream on JioHotstar. The show is looking to make family game nights a regular part of viewers’ routines, bringing entertainment and participation together through a format built around everyday reasoning and shared experiences.