The appearance of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on a special Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati has sparked a storm online. Both officers were the public face of Operation Sindoor, leading media briefings after India launched the mission in response to the Pahalgam attack. Their participation, alongside Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy, has triggered criticism among many, and accusing the government of using the armed forces for public relations. The promo of the episode, set to air on August 15, shows the officers in uniform, a choice that has intensified the backlash.
Officers Led Operation Sindoor Briefings
Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh became familiar faces during press briefings about Operation Sindoor. In the teaser shared by the show’s makers, Amitabh Bachchan welcomes them with a grand reception. Colonel Qureshi is seen explaining the necessity of the operation, saying, “Pakistan has been carrying out such (terror) acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that’s why Operation Sindoor was planned.”
However, the optics of their reality TV appearance, particularly in uniform, have been sharply criticized. Social media users called it an unprecedented use of serving officers in entertainment for political gain. Critics questioned whether armed forces protocol allows this kind of participation.
Social Media Backlash
Reactions online have been strong. One user asked, “Have you ever seen anything like this after a military operation in any serious country? How is this even allowed for someone in service?”
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Another said, “The Indian Armed Forces have some protocol, some dignity and huge respect. Politicians are ruining it for their personal benefit. That’s shameful.” A third pointed out, “Our Army was sacrosanct, above politics, beyond PR. Our forces are to defend the nation, not a politician’s brand.”
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What Protocol Says
Army dress regulations are clear. The official uniform cannot be worn at cultural events or social gatherings. It is prohibited in public places like restaurants, on public transport, or in civilian aircraft. The rules also state it cannot be worn at non-official recognised activities unless the commanding officer authorises it in writing.
This is not the first such controversy. Malayalam actor Mohanlal, an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, faced accusations of misusing his uniform in Kerala government ads. He denied the charges.
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The KBC episode featuring the Operation Sindoor officers has therefore reopened debates over the line between national pride and political optics — and whether that line has been crossed.
