Amitabh Bachchan is set to host decorated officers from the Indian Armed Forces in a special Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17. The episode will feature Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee from the Indian Navy.

In a promo released by the channel, the three officers receive a grand welcome from Bachchan as they prepare to share key moments from Operation Sindoor — a recent mission targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

While it's likely the officers secured official clearance for their appearance, the move has sparked considerable backlash online, with critics calling it a “PR stunt” and accusing the government of politicizing the armed forces.

Both Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh had addressed the media while the operation was ongoing — an uncommon move that had already stirred debate. The upcoming TV appearance has only added fuel to the fire.

A teaser of the episode, airing August 15, shows the officers in full uniform on the KBC set. One user on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “This is just unbelievable. Operation Sindoor heroes on national TV just so one 'nationalist' party can score some votes?”

Another wrote, “In which serious country do serving military officers go on a reality TV show right after an operation? This is pure image-building for the regime under the guise of patriotism.”

The criticism wasn’t limited to social media users. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also raised concerns, drawing attention to the channel's broader business interests. “These heroic women in uniform have been invited by a private channel that also holds broadcasting rights for the Asia Cup till 2031 — including India vs Pakistan matches. Connect the dots,” she posted on X.

Others questioned whether armed forces protocol allows such public appearances in uniform on entertainment platforms. “The Armed Forces are supposed to be above politics and PR. This is not what their uniforms stand for,” one user remarked.

According to existing guidelines, military personnel are generally discouraged from wearing uniforms in social or commercial settings like restaurants or TV shows, unless it's an official military function, such as events at the Officers' Mess. Wearing headgear indoors, especially at such venues, is also against protocol.

As of now, neither the government nor the Defence Ministry has issued a response to the criticism.