Web desk: The Independence Day special promo of India’s popular TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has sparked a political and cultural storm across South Asia.
Hosted by famous actor Amitabh Bachchan, the episode welcomed senior women officers from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy; Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Devasthali. They all appeared in full uniform on the famous “hot seat.”
In the promo, the three officers spoke about India’s controversial Operation Sindoor. Which was launched in May following the Pahalgam false flag, an incident India blamed on Pakistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling the airstrikes a violation of its sovereignty.
According to ISPR, the strikes killed 31 people, including women and children, and injured 57 others. Pakistan claims it shot down 25 Indian drones and six aircraft, including Rafale jets, in response.
Colonel Qureshi alleged in the promo that “Pakistan has been doing this for years. It was necessary to respond, which is why Operation Sindoor was planned.”
Wing Commander Singh said, “From 1:05 to 1:30, we finished their game.” While Commander Devasthali claimed all targets were destroyed and no civilians were harmed.
Concluding her remarks, Colonel Qureshi declared, “This is a new India, with a new mindset.” Prompting the audience to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
However, the promotional clip triggered backlash even within India. Social media users and commentators questioned whether it was appropriate for serving officers in uniform to appear on an entertainment programme.
Critics accused the Modi government of turning the armed forces into a “propaganda tool” and using a beloved quiz show for political purposes.
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.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) August 13, 2025
In any serious nation with a professional military, this would be unthinkable. But this… pic.twitter.com/ZhWFpX6Bwr
The nation is above your image, your politics, and your PR. The armed forces are above your image, your politics and PR.
— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) August 12, 2025
Have the humility and dignity to understand that. Do not sacrifice the Indian armed forces for your own petty political games
—Rahul Gandhi to Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/lxP6gTMEaR
Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR.
— Mayank Saxena (@mayank_sxn) August 12, 2025
Today, Modi govt parades serving soldiers on shows like KBC for image building. Even our Army has been made a political tool for Modi’s PR.
Our forces are to defend the nation, not a politician’s brand.pic.twitter.com/VPrf7W5QUM
PM Modi ne apno PR ke liye desh ki teenon senawon ko laga rakha hai
— tkb🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@bhatvicky73) August 13, 2025
Ish desh ka durbhagya hai ki Army, Navy, Airforce bhi ab PR me lag gai hai 🤦🤦😏#KBC #KaunBanegaCrorepatipic.twitter.com/OO1mpcItB9
मोदी जी स्मृति ईरानी मैडम का "क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी" का सीजन 2 आ राह है
— tkb🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@bhatvicky73) August 13, 2025
तो इनको PR के लिए नाटक के पहले एपिशोड में ही भेज दो
और हां, कपिल शर्मा के शो में भेज दो
आपके PR में कहीं कोई कमी नहीं रहनी चाहिए pic.twitter.com/ZLY67bhvLC
One user on X wrote, “This BJP government has destroyed everything this country was once proud of,” while another labelled it “shameful and in very poor taste.”
Some observers argued the segment was tokenism under the banner of women’s empowerment, suggesting the officers may not have actually participated in the operation and were simply delivering prepared lines. Others accused the government of “selling fake victories,” and that too, 90 days after the operation.
The decision to air the episode on August 15, India’s Independence Day, was widely seen as symbolic. Critics have observed that the government has the tendency to employ anti-Pakistan language on these occasions to generate national spirit.
In Pakistan, the promo was met with strong condemnation. ISPR described the strikes as an act of “war hysteria” and expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives. Pakistani celebrities also criticised the show for “celebrating violence on television,” calling it inhumane and provocative.
For long-time fans of KBC, this shift marks a disappointing turn. A programme once celebrated across borders as a symbol of knowledge and intellect now appears to be serving as a political platform.
Why? It is a double-edged sword. Raising awareness on "women power" vs tokenism.
— Shilpa Anand (@shilpaanand) August 13, 2025
And why is the Defence Ministry permitting this? https://t.co/k8AuJ7MzC7
This is just unbelievable 🤯
— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) August 12, 2025
Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV show KBC
Just because one "nationalist" party wants to milk some votes? pic.twitter.com/ugpmuNmDSE
