The recent trailer of the Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, featuring Col Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee, has triggered a plethora of reactions regarding the appearance of serving officers on the game show.
Hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan, the special episode will be aired on Independence Day on Sony TV. In the promo, the officers are seen speaking about the key moments from Operation Sindoor.
Col Qureshi, who shot into the limelight while conducting media briefings on Operation Sindoor, was heard saying, “Pakistan yeh karta chala aa raha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha, sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya (Pakistan had been carrying out such acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that’s why Operation Sindoor was planned).”
Sitting alongside her on the hot seat is Wing Commander Vyomika, who had co-hosted the briefings with Qureshi. Speaking about the quick execution of the operation, Vyomika said, “Raat ko ek baj kar paanch minute se lekar dedh baje tak, pachhis minute me khel khatam kar diya. (From 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, we completed the entire operation in just 25 minutes.)”
Meanwhile, Commander Prerna spoke about the precision with which the entire operation was planned jointly by the three services. “Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilians.”
Amidst chants of Bharat Mata Ki jai from the show’s host and audience, the promo ends with Col Qureshi delivering the closing line, “Ye ek naya Bharat nayi soch ke saath hai. (This is a new India with a new vision).”
The three officers are seen dressed in their uniforms as they appear on the show. “Three officers of the Armed Forces will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, a private entertainment show, in full uniform, explaining to a Bollywood actor the planning of a military operation. In any serious nation with a professional military, this would be unthinkable. But this is the spectacle of New India under Narendra Modi. An absolute disgrace,” the Kerala state unit of the Indian National Congress wrote on X.
“Indian Armed Forces officers, including Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, will discuss Operation Sindoor on KBC’s Independence Day special. It’s PR or honouring service,” wrote a user on X.
“Col Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee will tell the story of Op Sindoor on KBC. This government is trying very hard to capitalise on the operation, while our PM didn’t even deny the claims of US President Trump. Pathetic & shameless,” read another tweet.
“Truly shocking!! Women army officers in uniform in Kaun Banega Crorepati!!! This is not possible unless given clearance from top levels of the govt !! Only a leader devoid of shame would exploit the military, an institution meant to remain above politics, for electoral gains. This spectacle represents a new low in cringeworthy displays. Anyone defending this must be utterly deranged. It’s a vertical fall!” another post read.
Many also praised the move. “Absolutely! Operation Sindoor was a proud moment for the nation, and showcasing it on KBC is pure brilliance. Let the truth shine where everyone can see it,” expressed a user.
“Visibility. Inspiration. National pride. Operation Sindoor, led by officers Sofiya Qureshi & Vyomika Singh, is a story that deserves to be told. Airing it on #KBC can inspire youth and deepen the nation’s connection with our armed forces,” wrote another.