KBC Season 17 Witnesses Triumph: Police Officers Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh, and Prerna Deosthalee Secure ₹25 Lakh in Independence Day Special Episode
In a historic first, three Indian Armed Forces women officers - Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Navy) - graced the hot seat on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17's Independence Day special. The officers, who were part of Operation Sindoor, shared their courageous experiences and provided a rare, nuanced glimpse into the mission [1][2][3][4].
The officers' appearance on KBC offered a glimpse of the rising strength of women in the armed forces. They recounted the details of Operation Sindoor, a mission carried out in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation was completed within 25 minutes without civilian casualties, showcasing the precision and success of the mission [1].
Their stories resonated deeply with viewers, fostering patriotism and raising awareness about women’s leadership in the military. The episode concluded with patriotic chants led by Amitabh Bachchan and the audience, symbolizing national unity and respect for the armed forces [1].
Reactions to the episode were largely positive, with many praising the officers' bravery and dedication. However, there was some controversy and criticism. A minority of critics questioned the appropriateness of featuring a sensitive military operation on a quiz show [1]. Supporters countered these views by emphasizing the importance of visibility and honoring the armed forces on a popular, national platform.
In addition to sharing their stories, the officers participated in the quiz and won Rs 25 lakh. They demonstrated exceptional gameplay skills and are now the official voice of India's Operation Sindoor after briefing the media and the nation [4].
The officers also shared touching stories from Kashmiri locals affected by the Pahalgam attack, adding a human dimension to the military narrative and encouraging tourism in Kashmir [2][3].
Commander Prerna Deosthalee, who became the first woman officer to be handed over the command of a warship in the Indian Navy in 2024, led the team. Their Rs 25 lakh win marks a new milestone for KBC [5].
The 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati has started, and this Independence Day special was a memorable episode. For the first time in KBC's history, three women officers of the Armed Forces appeared on the hot seat, inspiring millions of viewers with their bravery and words on women empowerment and the evolving role of women in the military [6].
However, the promo of the KBC episode featuring the officers was questioned by a section of social media users who accused the forces of being used for politics and entertainment [6]. Despite this, the episode provided a platform for celebrating female empowerment and military leadership, inspiring many across the country.
[1] India Today [2] The Hindu [3] Times of India [4] NDTV [5] The Indian Express [6] Hindustan Times
- The historic appearance of Indian Armed Forces women officers on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) offered a unique insight into their courage and the evolving role of women in the military, particularly in light of Operation Sindoor.
- The 17th season of KBC marked a milestone with the first-ever appearance of three female armed forces officers, inspiring millions of viewers with their stories of bravery and women empowerment.
- The officers' participation in KBC's Independence Day special was met with widespread praise, but also criticism from a small section of social media users who felt it inappropriately politicized and commercialized the military.
- The officers' impressive display of quiz skills on KBC, resulting in a Rs 25 lakh win, not only demonstrated their exceptional abilities but also served as the official voice of India's Operation Sindoor.
- The episode's discussions on women's leadership roles in the military and stories from Kashmiri locals impacted by the Pahalgam attack added a human dimension to the military narrative, encouraging tourism in Kashmir.
