KBC Independence Day Episode Sparks Outrage in India Over Featuring Women Army Officers

Just days ahead of India’s Independence Day, the government’s decision to feature women officers from a recently unsuccessful army unit on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has ignited public outrage. Critics have accused the Modi administration of exploiting the military for political spectacle.

The special Independence Day episode, hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, will spotlight Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, both well-known from media briefings during the contentious “Operation Sindoor.” They will be joined by Navy Commander Prerna Deosthalee, who made history last year as the first woman to command an Indian warship.

While the promotional teaser highlights a warm reception from Bachchan, many Indians have expressed concern on social media over serving officers appearing on a TV quiz show in uniform so soon after a military setback. Critics argue that this move breaches long-standing military protocols and reduces the armed forces to mere props for political image-making.

One widely shared post stated, “Have you ever seen a serious country turn a failed operation into a game show segment? This is disgraceful — the government is using our military as a prop for its hollow nationalism.” Another comment read, “On the ground they were humiliated, now they’re on KBC as heroes. This is about saving face, not honouring service.”

Some observers have also highlighted Indian Army rules that forbid wearing uniforms at cultural or social events without written approval from commanding officers, a regulation that appears to have been ignored for this televised appearance.

This controversy adds to the ongoing debate over the politicisation of India’s military. In recent years, the ruling BJP has been accused of blurring the line between military duty and political propaganda, frequently deploying uniformed personnel in advertisements, rallies, and state ceremonies to strengthen its nationalist narrative.

The uproar comes shortly after a separate controversy involving actor Mohanlal, who was given an honorary lieutenant colonel rank but faced accusations of misusing his uniform in promotional campaigns for the Kerala government—charges he has denied.

Critics of the current move insist that the military’s prestige relies on its neutrality and distance from political agendas. “The army should remain a national institution, not a marketing tool,” a retired officer told reporters.

As the episode’s broadcast approaches, the debate continues unabated, with many questioning if national pride is truly served by showcasing officers from a defeated unit on prime-time television.

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