In a recent episode of the ever-popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, the esteemed actor Varun Dhawan graced the stage alongside the acclaimed directors Raj and DK, ostensibly to promote their eagerly awaited web series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. A seemingly innocuous question posed by the legendary host, Amitabh Bachchan, spiraled into a whirlwind of online critique and fervent discussion when it became apparent that the historical context surrounding the query was, shall we say, decidedly flawed.
As the episode unfolded, Big B inquired, “Which actress tragically perished in a plane crash alongside her husband, Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur?” The answer options floated through the air like spectral echoes: Sulochana, Mumtaz, Nadira, and Zubeida. Perplexed, Dhawan and the directing duo opted to burn through two of their precious lifelines, ultimately settling on Zubeida—an answer that, while selected confidently, would soon ignite a firestorm.
Bachchan elaborated on Zubeida’s storied legacy, mentioning her emblematic role in Alam Ara, the historical landmark that was India’s first talkie film, and how her life was adapted into the cinematic homage, Zubeidaa, starring Karisma Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee. However, the audience’s reception took a sharp turn once the credits rolled. Social media users, astute and quick-witted, pounced on the aforementioned information, clarifying a pivotal point: there exist two distinct Zubeidas. One—the luminous actress from Alam Ara—and the other, Zubeida Begum, the Maharaja’s wife, both bound to a tragic fate yet anchored in disparate narratives.
This historical misstep gained traction, capturing the attention of Khalid Mohammed, son of the illustrious actress Zubeida. A seasoned journalist in his own right, Khalid turned to social platforms to voice his concerns, seeking clarity from the show’s producers: “kaunbanegacrorepati… Whoever calls the shots, may I request for a clarification on KBC. Zubeida (Dhanragir) was a renowned actress who featured in Alam Ara. Not my maa Zubeida, who wished to act but wasn’t permitted by her strict father. How could your research team make such a gaffe?”
Khalid’s appeal resonated with many, sparking an animated dialogue online. One user on X (formerly Twitter) quipped about the debacle, stating, “So #KaunBanegaKarodPati goofed up today with the question on Maharaja Hanwant Singh and his wife Zubeida Begum, who both died in a plane crash in 1952. #KBC.” Another contributed with further insight, explaining that the Zubeida associated with Alam Ara was, in fact, wed to the Maharaja of Hyderabad, living on until the late 1980s, a stark contrast to the erroneous details that had been presented.
As the controversy swirled, no official response has emerged from the channel to address these critical points, leaving the public to wonder just how extensive the show’s research parameters truly are—or if they’ve succumbed to the bane of oversight in a high-stakes environment of entertainment.
