The Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has ignited a heated debate after featuring three serving women officers—Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee—in uniform, discussing Operation Sindoor with host Amitabh Bachchan.
The promo, released ahead of the August 15 telecast, showed the officers being welcomed on stage and sharing gripping accounts of India’s swift retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack. While many viewers praised the segment as a fitting tribute to the servicewomen, others accused the government of using the armed forces for propaganda and commercial gain. Questions were also raised over whether protocol permits serving officers to appear in uniform on entertainment shows.
Adding to the controversy, actor Prakash Raj revived his earlier criticism of Operation Sindoor by posting a meme-like image of the officers on X and Instagram, with the caption: “Very soon we may see them on ‘Bigg Boss’ too… #justasking.” His remark was widely interpreted as a swipe at the blending of the military into mainstream entertainment.
This is not Raj’s first clash over political or military issues. Months earlier, he had mocked a headline about the Prime Minister delivering “sindoor to every household,” calling it “One Nation, One Husband” and questioning why women would take sindoor from “this old man,” sparking strong backlash from BJP leaders.
Protocol rules prohibit the use of military uniforms in public or social events without written approval from commanding officers, leading to further debate on whether the KBC episode breached dress regulations. Critics also described the segment as “political theatre” timed for Independence Day, while supporters defended it as a powerful way to bring stories of bravery to the public.
Raj’s latest comments have amplified the ongoing discussion about the fine line between honouring the armed forces and using them for publicity, with his sarcasm reflecting a broader unease over the growing intersection of defence and show business. (Agencies)
