Amitabh Bachchan to Host Armed Forces Officers in KBC 17 Independence Day Special

Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, returned with its 17th season on Monday, August 11.

To mark Independence Day, the show will feature a special episode with distinguished officers from the Indian Armed Forces who were key figures during media briefings on Operation Sindoor.

Officers Welcomed on KBC Stage

In the promo released by Sony TV, Amitabh Bachchan is seen welcoming Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy.

The Independence Day special episode is set to air on August 15 at 9 pm on Sony TV and will also be available for streaming on Sony LIV.

Insights into Operation Sindoor

The officers shared their perspectives on Operation Sindoor, a series of coordinated strikes on nine Pakistani terror camps conducted on May 7. These strikes were carried out as retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi explained the need for the operation:
“Pakistan yeh karta chala aa raha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha, sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya. (Pakistan has been doing this for years; it was important to answer back, which is why Operation Sindoor was planned).”

Adding to this, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed how quickly the mission was completed.

“Raat ko ek baj kar paanch minute se lekar dedh baje tak, pachhis minute me khel khatam kar diya. (At night, between 1.05 am to 1.30 am, we ended their game in just 25 minutes).”

Commander Prerna Deosthalee emphasized that the strikes were precise and avoided civilian harm.

“Targets were destroyed and koi bhi civilians ko koi harm nahi hua tha. (Targets were destroyed and no civilians were harmed).”

“A New India with a New Mindset”

During the episode, Colonel Sofiya declared, “This is a new India, with a new mindset.” The segment ended with Amitabh Bachchan and the audience joining together to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Public Reaction and Controversy

While many viewers are excited to see the armed forces officers on KBC, the episode has also sparked controversy. Critics have labeled it a “PR stunt” and accused the government of using the armed forces for political mileage.

One user wrote on X, “This is just unbelievable. Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV show KBC just because one ‘nationalist’ party wants to milk some votes?”

Another said, “Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR. Today, Modi govt parades serving soldiers on shows like KBC for image building.”

Another comment questioned whether protocol allows uniformed officers to appear on entertainment shows. “The Indian Armed Forces have some protocol, some dignity and huge respect. Politicians are ruining it for their personal benefit. That’s shameful,” a user remarked.

Political Response

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also raised concerns. She wrote, “Our heroic women in uniform who went on to become the face of Operation Sindoor have been invited by a private entertainment channel on their show.

This private entertainment channel’s parent company Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has also bagged the broadcasting rights of the Asia Cup till 2031. Yes, the very channel that seeks to earn revenue through India vs Pakistan cricket matches. Now join the dots.”

So far, neither the government nor the defence ministry has responded to the criticism.

Regulations on Wearing Uniforms

According to military guidelines, the use of uniforms in social and cultural settings is generally discouraged.

They are not to be worn in venues like restaurants, hotels, or while shopping, except during official social events organized within the Officers’ Mess. Caps or headgear must also be removed indoors. However, uniforms can be worn at social events hosted in military spaces, such as dances or gatherings.

A Special Episode Amid Debate

The Independence Day special of KBC promises to give audiences a closer look at Operation Sindoor through the voices of officers who played a vital role in it.

While the episode is expected to inspire patriotic pride, the debate surrounding its timing and intent highlights the thin line between national honor and political perception.