Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army, recently appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, sharing insights into the significant Operation Sindoor. The special episode, set to air on August 15, 2025, also features Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the episode commemorates India's Independence Day and highlights the bravery and strategic importance of the counterterrorism mission.
During the KBC promo, Colonel Qureshi explained the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, stating, "Pakistan yeh karta chala araha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya". This translates to: "Pakistan has been carrying out such acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that's why Operation Sindoor was planned". Wing Commander Singh elaborated on the execution, noting, "Raat ko ek baj kar paanch minute se lekar dedh baje tak, pachchis minute me khel khatam kar diya". Meaning: "From 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, we completed the entire operation in just 25 minutes". Commander Deosthalee affirmed the mission's success, adding, "Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilian". Qureshi further emphasized the evolving national ethos, declaring, "Ye ek naya Bharat nayi soch ke saath hai". This translates to: "This is a new India with a new vision," a sentiment that resonated with the audience, culminating in chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" led by Bachchan.
Operation Sindoor, executed earlier in the year, was a targeted strike against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 people. Colonel Qureshi stated that the nine terror sites were chosen based on credible intelligence and their involvement in cross-border terrorism. The strikes were conducted between 1:05 am and 1:30 am on Wednesday.
Colonel Qureshi's appearance on KBC has stirred mixed reactions. While many appreciate the recognition of the armed forces and the opportunity to learn about Operation Sindoor, some social media users have criticized the use of military personnel on a commercial platform for "PR" and "political mileage". Some questioned whether it was appropriate for officers to appear on shows like KBC, with one user stating, "The Indian Armed Forces have some protocol, some dignity and huge respect. Politicians are ruining it for their personal benefit. That's shameful".
Before embarking on the Congo mission, Colonel Qureshi shared a poignant moment with her mother, telling her, "I'll return alive or…". This statement encapsulates the dedication and commitment to duty that defines Colonel Qureshi's career.
Colonel Qureshi's career is marked by significant achievements. In 2016, she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise called 'Exercise Force 18'. She has also served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Congo in 2006, monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian missions. Her efforts in Congo included reuniting a child with her mother, earning her local recognition. For her exemplary service, she has received commendations, including one from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) during Operation Parakram.
