Mumbai: In a socio-cultural landscape where calling girls a burden remains an unfortunate norm, particularly in rural India, a recent episode of Amitabh Bachchan’s popular game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) became a platform for an essential lesson. A contestant shared his plight about unemployment and made an analogy that many find disturbing. He equated the societal views on unemployed men with that of unmarried women, terming both as burdens. Narrating his experience, the contestant, an engineer who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, remarked, “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 like an unmarried girl is considered a burden on her family, an unemployed man of a certain age is equally a burden).
Unfazed by this statement, Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic host and Bollywood superstar, promptly retorted, “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). The audience’s applause resonated through the studio, underscoring the impact of Bachchan’s words.
For decades, Amitabh Bachchan, affectionately known as “Big B,” has been the face of KBC. His runway of wisdom isn’t just confined to quiz questions but extends to life’s pivotal lessons. This episode was no different, further fortifying his role as a moral compass for many viewers. It’s not just his legendary acting career that has made Bachchan a stalwart in Indian pop culture, but also his off-screen persona — a blend of wisdom, humility, and respect for all.
The contestant’s perspective, though perhaps reflective of widespread rural attitudes, starkly contrasts with modern views and evolving societal norms. The gravity of the situation is amplified by statistics and reports highlighting the ongoing gender biases women face in various parts of India. This societal mindset, where women are seen as a burden, especially if they are unmarried, arises from deep-rooted patriarchy and a lack of awareness. Amitabh Bachchan’s intervention, therefore, becomes crucial and commendable, aiming to challenge and change these regressive views.
Amitabh Bachchan is not only a revered public figure but also a family man. Known for his close-knit family ties, he is the father of a daughter, Shweta Bachchan, and a son, Abhishek Bachchan.
. Bachchan has never displayed any form of bias between his children. Reports and anecdotes about his deep affection for his daughter often surface, showcasing his belief in gender equality. Recently, rumors swirled that he might name his iconic Juhu bungalow, “Pratiksha,” after his daughter—a testament to his progressive views and unequivocal love.
Moreover, Big B’s role as a father further amplifies his credibility on the subject. It isn’t just about public statements; his life reflects these values. He has consistently preached and practiced equal treatment of his children. In an industry that often sees actors draped in the garb of their characters, it’s refreshing to witness someone living their principles so publicly and candidly. He stands as an archetype of what contemporary fatherhood should look like, extending respect and opportunities equally to sons and daughters.
The applause in the KBC studio echoed the societal craving for more enlightened viewpoints. It was a moment where a television show transcended its role as mere entertainment and became a vehicle for social change. The significance of such statements, coming from a luminary like Bachchan, cannot be overstated. They resonate far beyond the studio, infiltrating homes, and perhaps even small villages where these archaic beliefs are most entrenched. It is in such moments that the impact of media, specifically influential figures, is most potent.
On Kaun Banega Crorepati, Big B does more than quiz hopeful contestants; he educates a nation. His swift rebuttal to the contestant exemplifies the critical need to continuously challenge outdated norms and push for progressive values. For an engineer facing job insecurity to draw a parallel with the burden stigmatizing unmarried women reveals not just personal despair but also the broader need for continued societal reformation. Through his words and actions, Amitabh Bachchan highlights that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves equal respect and opportunity, and that women are, indeed, an honor, never a burden.
In a country navigating the crossroads of tradition and modernity, voices like Amitabh Bachchan’s serve as guiding stars, reminding us of the dignity and esteem every woman deserves. And for that, Kaun Banega Crorepati isn’t just a quiz show; it’s a beacon for cultural evolution.
