In a recent episode of the popular television quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati 16” (KBC), host Amitabh Bachchan made headlines with a powerful response to a contestant’s comment that likened an unmarried daughter to a burden. The comment sparked a moment of introspection on the show, shedding light on deep-seated societal issues that persist today.
The Incident: An Unsettling Comparison
The episode featured a contestant named Krishna Selukkar, who shared his struggles with unemployment despite holding an engineering degree. During the conversation, he compared the challenges of being an unemployed man to the societal perception of an unmarried daughter as a burden. “If I say that an unmarried girl is a burden on the family, sir, then after a certain age, an unemployed boy becomes just as much a burden,” he said. The comment, though perhaps unintentional, touched a nerve and highlighted the troubling mindset that still considers daughters as burdens in many parts of society.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Powerful Response
Amitabh Bachchan, known for his eloquence and sensitivity, immediately responded to the contestant’s remark. He did not let the comment slide, instead choosing to address the underlying issue head-on. “A girl can never become a burden,” Bachchan asserted, adding, “A woman is a great pride.”
His words resonated with the audience and viewers at home, emphasizing the importance of valuing and respecting daughters and women in society. Bachchan’s response served as a reminder that the notion of daughters being burdens is not only outdated but also deeply flawed.
Housewives: The Unacknowledged Workforce
The episode further delved into the often-overlooked contributions of housewives. Bachchan highlighted the immense work that housewives do, often without recognition or appreciation. He pointed out that many women hesitate to identify themselves as housewives, perhaps due to societal norms that undervalue their role. Yet, as Bachchan rightly noted, no one works harder than a housewife. “She takes care of the entire house, looks after her husband and children, and often waits until late at night for her husband to come home before she eats herself,” he said.
In a society where jobs typically come with weekends off, housewives work tirelessly without a break. Bachchan’s words brought much-needed attention to the hard work and dedication of housewives, challenging the common perception that undervalues their contributions.
Daughters: A Source of Pride, Not a Burden
Bachchan’s remarks on KBC reflect a broader societal issue that has persisted for generations—the perception of daughters as burdens. Historically, daughters were often seen as limited to household chores and marriage. However, as times have changed, so too has the role of daughters in society. Today, many daughters are educated, and empowered, and contribute significantly to their families, both financially and emotionally.
Yet, despite these changes, conservative thinking continues to label daughters as burdens, particularly in more traditional communities. Bachchan’s statement on KBC serves as a call to action for families to recognize the value of their daughters and to change outdated mindsets.
A Message for Every Boy and Father
The change in perception that Amitabh Bachchan advocates for is not just a societal shift but also a personal one. He suggests that the responsibility to change these age-old beliefs lies with boys and fathers, urging them to understand that daughters can never be burdens. Instead, they should be seen as a source of pride, capable of achieving great things and contributing to the family’s success.
As Bachchan’s powerful words continue to echo, it is clear that this conversation is not just about one contestant’s comment on a TV show. It’s about a broader societal change that needs to happen, one where daughters are celebrated, not marginalized. The impact of such a change could be profound, leading to a society that values all its members equally, regardless of gender.
