The upcoming Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) season 17 has triggered controversy after featuring three serving women officers — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy) — who took part in Operation Sindoor, India’s recent cross-border strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan.
In the episode, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan and set to air on August 15, the officers recount key moments of the operation conducted after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. While the officers reportedly obtained departmental clearance, critics have accused the government of politicising the armed forces, calling the move a “PR stunt” and “vote-milking exercise.”
Social media users and opposition leaders questioned whether armed forces protocol allows serving officers to appear on reality shows. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged links between the show’s broadcaster, Sony Pictures Networks India, and its commercial interests in India-Pakistan cricket matches, hinting at possible political and business motives.
The Defence Ministry has not commented on the controversy. Armed forces regulations generally discourage wearing uniforms in social or entertainment settings, except for official functions.
