Shah Rukh Khan to be quizmaster on TV -- again

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan poses with children during the launch of new quiz show ''Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?'' (Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?) in New Delhi February 12, 2008.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will return to television playing the host in a new game show based on the international 'Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?' format.

Starting later this year, contestants on 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' will be battling for a prize of 50 million rupees, a sum that its makers said was "unprecedented" for an Indian TV show.

As quizmaster, Khan will put questions -- ranging in difficulty from first to fifth-grade level -- to adult contestants in a classroom setting. If stumped for an answer, the candidates can take the help of a bunch of fifth-grade schoolchildren.

"Hope this (show) will lead to kids gaining knowledge in an entertaining way," the actor said at a press conference announcing the new show on Tuesday.

In early 2007, Khan had hosted "Kaun Banega Crorepati", the Indian version of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" - winning the hearts of viewers with his boyish charm and camaraderie with contestants.

'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' will mark yet another stint on television for the 42-year-old actor, raring to get back to work after taking a break following the release of "Om Shanti Om" in November last year.

"I haven't had shooting work for some time now after 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Chak De India' so I am really thrilled that I have some work to do finally," Khan said.