Mumbai: The deeply ingrained cultural norms in certain parts of India still suggest that girls, especially those who are unmarried, are considered burdens. This sentiment came to light once again during a recent episode of the popular Indian quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. During the episode, a contestant shared his perspective on the struggles of being unemployed in India, comparing it to the societal perception of unmarried girls as burdens.
The contestant, an engineer by profession who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, candidly spoke about his personal challenges and societal judgments. He said, “Agar mei kahu bina shadi ki ladki gharwalo par bojh hoti hai na sir, ek umar hone ke baad berozgar ladke utna hi bojh hote hai” (If I may say, just as an unmarried girl is considered a burden on her family, an unemployed man of a certain age is viewed in the same way).
This prompted a swift and firm response from Amitabh Bachchan, the show’s respected host. “Ek baat batye aapko. Ladki joh hai bojh kabhi nai ban sakti. Bahut badi shaan hoti hai Mahila” (Can I tell you one thing? A woman can never be a burden on the family. She is always an honour), declared Bachchan, eliciting applause and appreciation from the audience.
Amitabh Bachchan’s stance is not only reflective of his personal beliefs but also aligns with his longstanding efforts to break regressive societal norms and promote gender equality. As a father to a daughter, Shweta Bachchan, and a son, Abhishek Bachchan, the actor has often spoken about the equal value of his children. There are even rumors suggesting that he named his bungalow, Pratiksha, in Juhu after his daughter, symbolizing the equal regard he holds for her.
Big B’s powerful words on the show serve as a reminder of the significance of women in society. Despite the progress that has been made over the years, the anecdote from the KBC contestant sheds light on the enduring stereotypes that still prevail in parts of India.
The megastar’s approach to hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati goes beyond just providing entertainment.
. Over the decades, Bachchan has used his platform to share numerous life lessons with his audience, advocating for progressive thoughts and actions. His dialogue with the contestants often transcends the immediate context of the game, touching upon broader social issues that resonate with the wider audience.
For viewers, Amitabh Bachchan’s rebuke wasn’t just about countering the contestant’s remark. Instead, it stood as an affirmation of the value of women and a subtle but impactful call to change entrenched attitudes. The exchange underscored an important point: that the idea of women being burdens, due to neither marriage nor any other circumstances, is fundamentally flawed and needs to be challenged and eradicated.
Cultural and societal norms take time to shift, but conversations initiated by influential figures like Amitabh Bachchan play an invaluable role in fostering change. Bachchan’s emphasis on recognizing the honor and dignity of women aligns with various other initiatives aiming to empower women and dismantle stereotypes.
The context in which the contestant made his comparison is understandable; he, like many others, is grappling with the significant challenges of unemployment, especially after the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. However, comparing the plight of unemployed men to the outdated and derogatory view of unmarried women as burdens draws attention to deeper societal issues that need addressing.
KBC has often been more than just a quiz show. With Bachchan at the helm, it has evolved into a beacon of positive social messaging, offering its audience more than just an opportunity to win money. It provides a platform for awareness, education, and a gentle nudge towards introspection and societal progression.
Amitabh Bachchan’s ability to intertwine the essence of education and entertainment sets KBC apart and makes it a crucial cultural touchstone within Indian media. His latest intervention is yet another example of how the show aims to challenge the status quo and encourage its viewers to think differently and more inclusively.
In conclusion, the episode of KBC highlighted a long-standing issue still prevalent in parts of India. However, Amitabh Bachchan’s response illuminated a path forward – reminding millions that women, far from being burdens, are invaluable, honorable, and essential members of society.
