Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army has revealed that her ancestors fought alongside Rani Lakshmi Bai during the 1857 Revolt, adding a personal touch of history to her appearance on the upcoming Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
The episode, set to air this weekend, will feature Col Qureshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the special segment will highlight stories of courage, women’s empowerment, and moments from Operation Sindoor.
“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,” Col Qureshi said in a snippet shared by Sony TV.
Her sister, Shyna Sunsara, recounted the family’s deep-rooted military history, revealing that their father fought in the 1971 Bangladesh war, their grandfather served in the Army, and their great-grandfather joined the freedom struggle after serving in the British Army. “Our daadi would tell us stories of him fighting in the Revolt of 1857 by Rani of Jhansi,” Sunsara said.
Col Qureshi, born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University. Currently serving in the Mechanised Infantry, she became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Indian contingent at the ASEAN Plus Multinational Military Exercise ‘Force 18’ in 2016. She has also played key roles in Operation Parakram and United Nations peacekeeping missions, earning a commendation card for her service.
Rani Lakshmi Bai, born Manikarnika Tambe in 1828, is remembered as one of India’s most iconic freedom fighters. She led Jhansi’s forces against the British during the 1857 Revolt and died in battle at Gwalior in 1858, becoming a lasting symbol of resistance and courage.
The KBC special will bring together stories of modern-day women officers who embody the same fearless spirit that inspired generations, connecting India’s historic fight for freedom with today’s service to the nation.
