The Independence Day Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) special has sparked a fierce controversy by featuring three serving women officers—Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee—in uniform discussing Operation Sindoor with Amitabh Bachchan. In a fresh twist, actor Prakash Raj chimed in, reviving his earlier sarcastic critique of the operation, sparking widespread debate.
From battlefield to quiz show: Public reaction divided
The promo, released ahead of the August 15 episode, showcases the officers being welcomed by host Amitabh Bachchan, then sharing gripping details of India’s swift retaliation after the Pahalgam terror attac.
Some viewers hailed the appearance as an honour—a heartfelt tribute to servicewomen who played vital roles in the mission. But many others reacted strongly, accusing the government of exploiting the military for propaganda and profit. Critics questioned whether protocol allows officers to wear uniforms on entertainment shows. As one user put it, “Our army was sacrosanct… now it’s a political tool for PR.”
Prakash Raj reignites Operation Sindoor debate
Adding fire to the controversy, Prakash Raj posted on X and Instagram a meme-like image of the officers, quipping: “Very soon we may see them on ‘Bigg Boss’ too… #justasking” X (formerly Twitter). The jibe was widely interpreted as a critique of the military’s use in mainstream entertainment, not just on KBC but potentially on reality TV, too.
This isn’t the first time the actor has stirred the pot. Earlier, almost two months before, he mocked a headline about the PM delivering “sindoor to every household”, captioning it “One Nation, One Husband” and later questioned, “But why will women take #Sindoor from this old man?” These remarks were fiercely condemned by BJP leaders, with accusations of disrespect and even derogatory comparisons to enemy agents.
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Protocol concerns amid patriotic PR push
Military dress code prohibits the use of uniforms in public or social settings without explicit written permission from commanding officers—raising concerns that this broadcast might breach protocol.
Others described the broadcast itself as “political theatre”, especially on India’s national day. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) connected the dots, pointing out that Sony Networks, broadcasting KBC, also holds long-term rights to India v Pakistan cricket content—a revenue-heavy enterprise.
The military’s narrative meets celebrity reflection
Beyond the storm, some KBC supporters emphasize the value of bringing a military voice into the living rooms of the nation on a day of patriotism: “This is a new India, with a new mindset,” the officers declared in the promo.
Yet Prakash Raj’s sarcastic share signals growing unease in artistic circles over the blurred line between defence and showbiz. His social posts reflect mounting concern over the appropriation of the Braves not just for morale, but for messaging and media ratings.