In a special Independence Day “Maha Utsav” episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, host Amitabh Bachchan will be joined by three women officers from India’s Armed Forces- Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy).
The episode’s promo clip provides a powerful glimpse of Colonel Sofiya explains why Operation Sindoor was launched, stating, “Pakistan yeh karta chala araha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha, sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya” (“Pakistan has been doing this. A response was necessary. So, Operation Sindoor was planned.”) Wing Commander Vyomika Singh adds, “From 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, we completed the entire operation in just 25 minutes,” while Commander Prerna Deosthalee affirms, “Targets were destroyed and no civilians were harmed.” Colonel Sofiya concludes with, “This is a new India with a new mindset,” as the audience joins in chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
Operation Sindoor, carried out on 7 May 2025, was a counter-terror mission targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was launched in direct response to a 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The operation became a significant event in the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.
This decision is in favour of citizens to give honour to women in uniform and bring their stories into the mainstream, along with national pride and appreciation for their bravery.
Organisers of this episode appear to have aimed at blending entertainment with a respectful commemoration of military service, especially the leadership roles played by these women officers. Colonel Qureshi, Wing Commander Singh, and Commander Deosthalee have each achieved remarkable feats throughout their careers, from heading media briefings on Operation Sindoor to breaking glass ceilings in their respective branches.
As excitement builds about this special episode, which will air on Independence Day, 15 August 2025, at 9 PM, on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, viewers will be keen to watch how well the segment strikes that fine balance between honouring the armed forces and keeping the entertainment factor of the show.
