A special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) was recently filmed to celebrate India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup win. While several players from the champion squad joined host Amitabh Bachchan on set, one major name was missing vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
Mandhana, who was expected to attend the Wednesday evening shoot, pulled out at the last moment due to personal reasons, according to The Times of India. This would have marked her third appearance on the beloved quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
Wedding Celebrations Halted After Medical Emergency
Her absence comes during a chaotic phase in her personal life. Mandhana’s wedding events in Sangli including the haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies were already underway when everything came to a sudden stop.
Her father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a serious medical emergency, prompting the family to rush him to the hospital. Soon after, Smriti removed all pre-wedding photos from her social media accounts. However, older posts featuring her fiancé, music composer Palaash Muchhal, are still visible.
Palaash Muchhal Insisted on Postponement
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Palaash’s mother Amita Muchhal shared that it was Palaash who decided to delay the wedding after learning about Mr. Mandhana’s health condition. Deeply attached to his would-be father-in-law, Palaash became emotional and could not continue with the remaining wedding rituals.
The stress reportedly took a toll on him, and he had to be briefly hospitalized for medical observation. His sister, singer Palak Muchhal, visited him during his stay.
World Cup Stars Shine on KBC Without Mandhana
Even without Mandhana, the KBC shoot featured an impressive lineup from the championship-winning squad. Those present included:
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Captain Harmanpreet Kaur
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Batter Harleen Deol
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Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh
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Opener Shafali Verma
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Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma
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All-rounder Sneh Rana
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Head coach Amol Muzumdar
Videos of the cricketers arriving at the KBC studio have already gone viral, generating buzz for the upcoming special episode that celebrates one of the biggest moments in Indian women’s cricket.
Also Read: Mary D’Costa Breaks Silence as Rumours Surround Smriti Mandhana–Palash Muchhal Wedding Delay
