Controversy Surrounds KBC: Is the Sindoor Episode a Sincere Tribute or a Political Display?

Controversy and discussion over protocol ensue following KBC's August 15 broadcast featuring Operation Sindoor officers Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh, and Prerna Deosthalee.

, and ASMedia

2025 August 31 . 6:04 AM

2 min read

Controversy Surrounds KBC's Sindoor Episode: Was It a Heartfelt Tribute or Politically Motivated?

Controversy Surrounds KBC: Is the Sindoor Episode a Sincere Tribute or a Political Display?

On August 15, 2025, the Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Independence Day special will feature Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy) [1]. This special episode aims to inspire the audience through tales of valour and service, framed as a tribute to the armed forces [2].

The officers are expected to share their experiences from Operation Sindoor, a joint Indian Army and Air Force mission responding to the Pahalgam terror attack [3]. The appearance of these heroes on national television has sparked a debate, with some expressing concerns about potential political gain [4]. However, the Defence Ministry has not officially stated whether approval was given for the officers' appearance on the show [5].

Operation Sindoor was a significant event that led to the successful elimination of terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan [6]. The officers' participation in the KBC special is seen as a celebration of their roles and achievements in the mission, providing public recognition for armed forces personnel and fostering patriotism [1][3][4].

The segment will feature an interaction with host Amitabh Bachchan, discussing the operation’s precision and success without civilian casualties. It will also highlight women’s leadership in the military, with Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh being central characters in Operation Sindoor [1][2][3].

Although some critics have questioned the appropriateness of featuring active military personnel and operations on a popular quiz show, supporters and the armed forces typically endorse such appearances when done to foster national pride and public awareness [7]. There is no report or credible source indicating that the officers’ participation violated any armed forces code of conduct or media guidelines [1].

Public engagements like this are often coordinated with the military’s public relations and protocol departments to ensure compliance with regulations [1]. Commander Deosthalee, apart from Operation Sindoor, is also part of the KBC Independence Day special, having been selected for the Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) show [8].

The Kaun Banega Crorepati Independence Day special episode, airing on August 15, is expected to attract substantial viewership, honouring the courage and leadership of these Operation Sindoor heroes [9]. Despite the ongoing political and public row due to its perceived political PR stunt by some, this special is a testament to the nation's pride in its armed forces and their accomplishments.

[1] Times of India, "Operation Sindoor Heroes on KBC's Independence Day Special", August 10, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, "KBC's Independence Day Special to Feature Operation Sindoor Officers", August 12, 2025. [3] NDTV, "Operation Sindoor: A Mission of Valour and Leadership", August 14, 2025. [4] The Indian Express, "Political Row Erupts over KBC's Independence Day Special", August 13, 2025. [5] The Economic Times, "Defence Ministry Silent on Officers' Appearance on KBC", August 14, 2025. [6] The Hindu, "Operation Sindoor: A Successful Strike Against Terror Camps", August 16, 2025. [7] Business Standard, "Armed Forces Endorse Public Engagements for National Pride", August 15, 2025. [8] The Telegraph, "Commander Prerna Deosthalee on KBC's Independence Day Special", August 11, 2025. [9] CNN-News18, "KBC's Independence Day Special to Attract Substantial Viewership", August 14, 2025.