Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Shares Family's Revolutionary History on Special KBC Episode
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army has shared that her family has a historical connection to Rani Lakshmi Bai, as her ancestors fought alongside the iconic queen during the 1857 Revolt. This revelation adds a personal dimension to her upcoming appearance on the Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
The episode, scheduled to air this weekend, will feature Col Qureshi alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, this special segment aims to focus on narratives of bravery, women’s empowerment, and the events of Operation Sindoor.
In a clip shared by Sony TV, Col Qureshi remarked, “I belong to a family where everyone was in the Army. My great-grandmother’s ancestors were with Rani Lakshmi Bai. I have not heard lullabies, I have heard tales of bravery.”
Her sister, Shyna Sunsara, highlighted the family's longstanding military history, noting that their father participated in the 1971 Bangladesh war, their grandfather served in the Army, and their great-grandfather joined the freedom struggle after his service in the British Army. “Our daadi would tell us stories of him fighting in the Revolt of 1857 by Rani of Jhansi,” Sunsara explained.
Born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Col Qureshi holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University. She serves in the Mechanised Infantry and made history as the first Indian woman officer to lead an Indian contingent at the ASEAN Plus Multinational Military Exercise ‘Force 18’ in 2016. Her contributions to Operation Parakram and United Nations peacekeeping missions have earned her a commendation card.
Rani Lakshmi Bai, originally Manikarnika Tambe, was born in 1828 and stands as one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. She led the forces of Jhansi against British colonial rule during the 1857 Revolt, ultimately sacrificing her life in the battle at Gwalior in 1858, and becoming a symbol of resistance and bravery.
The KBC special will present modern-day women officers whose courage reflects the fearless spirit that has inspired generations, bridging India’s historical struggle for independence with contemporary service to the nation.
