Mumbai—In a recent episode of the popular Indian game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan took a stand against outdated societal views that regard unmarried women as burdens. The episode sparked widespread applause and a renewed conversation on gender perceptions in India, especially in rural areas where such views are still prevalent.
The incident occurred when one of the contestants, an engineer who had lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, reflected on his struggles with unemployment. While sharing his views, the contestant equated his plight as an unemployed man to that of unmarried women, who he claimed are often regarded as ‘burdens’ by their families once they reach a certain age. He stated in Hindi, “Agar mein kahu bina shadi ki ladki gharwalo par bojh hoti hai na sir, ek umar hone ke baad berozgar ladke utna hi bojh hote hai.” Translated, it means: “If I say that an unmarried girl is considered a burden on her family, then an unemployed man is also regarded similarly once he reaches a certain age.”
Hearing this, Amitabh Bachchan was quick to interrupt the contestant. He firmly stated, “Ek baat bataye aapko. Ladki joh hai bojh kabhi nahi ban sakti. Bahut badi shaan hoti hai Mahila.” In translation, this stands, “Can I tell you one thing? A woman can never be a burden on the family. She is always an honor.” This statement was met with a round of applause from the audience, reflecting shared sentiments against such regressive notions.
Bachchan, who has been the host of KBC for decades, has utilized the platform on various occasions to impart valuable life lessons and challenge societal norms. The star, revered for his towering personality both on and off-screen, has often found ways to speak up on issues of social importance, thus reinforcing his status not just as an entertainer but also as a public conscience.
Highlighting his personal views, Amitabh Bachchan drew upon his own family life as an example. Bachchan is the father of two—Abhishek Bachchan, a renowned actor, and Shweta Bachchan-Nanda, his daughter, who is an accomplished author and columnist.
. Emphasizing the equality he practices within his family, there have been persistent rumors that Bachchan intends to name his luxury Juhu bungalow, Pratiksha, after his daughter Shweta. Whether these rumors hold any truth or not, such tales only strengthen the perception of Bachchan as a progressive and fair-minded father.
The megastar’s views on gender equality are well documented. He has consistently spoken about the importance of women in society, often highlighting his reverence for the female gender. His poignant statement on KBC echoed a broader message of gender sensitivity, pushing against the tide of patriarchal views that continue to loom large over many parts of India, rural regions in particular.
Within minutes, social media was abuzz with reactions, many praising Bachchan for his bold stance. Tweets and posts celebrating his statement flooded various platforms, proving that his message reached far beyond the television screens. Users hailed him as a ‘true legend,’ and many took the opportunity to reflect on and question deep-seated societal biases.
In contrast, the contestant’s comment brought to light the intrinsic gender inequalities that still riddle many aspects of Indian society. This moment of candidness on national television serves as a stark reminder of the struggles many face in changing long-entrenched social attitudes. However, the moment also illustrated the power of platforms like KBC to serve as catalysts for societal change, leveraging the influence of respected figures like Amitabh Bachchan to challenge and ultimately change harmful stereotypes.
Educational segments such as those on KBC are significant in the way they present opportunities to address and dismantle archaic notions. The show, with Amitabh Bachchan at its helm, continues to be an instrumental vehicle for driving progressive narratives in Indian homes. By addressing such issues directly and publicly, Bachchan has once more underscored the role of media and influential public figures in shaping and transforming public attitudes.
As societal norms evolve, instances like these highlight the journey towards gender equality. Amitabh Bachchan, through his actions and words, remains a significant figure in pushing forward this journey. His clear message—that women are not burdens but honors—serves as a powerful reminder of the respect and equality all individuals deserve irrespective of gender.
