Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has long been one of India’s most popular quiz shows, attracting viewers from both India and Pakistan. For many, it was a shared cultural space where contestants tested their knowledge under the spotlight with Amitabh Bachchan as host.
However, the show’s latest Independence Day promotional episode has sparked intense debate. In a special segment, KBC welcomed Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy.
Dressed in uniform, they spoke about “Operation Sindoor,” an Indian military action in May that targeted sites in Pakistan, including Sialkot, Bahawalpur, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The officers claimed the strikes were carried out in response to the Pahalgam attack, which India blames on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied involvement and condemned the violation of its sovereignty.
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the strikes killed 31 people and injured 57, including women and children. Pakistan also claimed it shot down 25 Indian drones in the aftermath.
The episode received mixed reactions. In India, some viewers criticized the decision to feature serving military officers on a quiz show in uniform, questioning whether it complied with military regulations.
Critics accused the government of using KBC as a platform for nationalist propaganda, with the timing of the broadcast on August 15 seen as deliberate.
Social media users called the move “cringe-worthy” and accused the authorities of turning a beloved cultural program into a political tool. Others argued it was tokenism presented as empowerment, suggesting the featured officers may have played limited roles in the operation.
For decades, KBC remained free from political influence, focusing purely on knowledge and entertainment. This episode, however, highlights how even popular cultural platforms can be reshaped to serve political narratives.
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