The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 brought together actor Vikrant Massey and IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, who took the hot seat alongside host Amitabh Bachchan. The episode was a blend of nostalgia, inspiration, and emotion, as both guests shared their life stories, dreams, and insights that connected deeply with the audience. It was a memorable interaction, underscoring the power of resilience and the transformative impact of opportunities.
Manoj Kumar Sharma: From Chambal to Indian Police Service
The episode opened with Manoj Kumar Sharma, an Inspector General (IG) in the Indian Police Service, reflecting on his journey from a small town to one of the country’s top civil services. Manoj shared that back in 2000, while preparing for the UPSC exams, he would stand outside roadside eateries and shops at 9 PM to watch Kaun Banega Crorepati. As he recalled, watching the show served as motivation, reminding him of his goal and providing insights that aided his preparation. This moment marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming an IPS officer.
Growing up in Chambal, a region infamous for dacoits, Manoj faced unique challenges. The stigma of coming from Chambal followed him, creating social barriers and impacting his access to education. He explained, “We couldn’t even find a place to stay after revealing we were from Chambal. The biggest hurdle was access to education.” This backdrop of adversity shaped his determination. A teacher who refused to allow cheating became a catalyst for his ambition, inspiring him to pursue exams that would place him in a position of influence and power. Manoj’s story is a testament to the importance of determination and the drive to overcome societal limitations.
Vikrant Massey’s Journey and Connection to Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Story
Actor Vikrant Massey, known for his powerful performances, joined the episode to discuss his role as Manoj Kumar Sharma in the film 12th Fail. The role required immense dedication, and Amitabh Bachchan commended Vikrant’s portrayal of Manoj’s life. For Vikrant, this episode was particularly special as it marked his first face-to-face interaction with Amitabh Bachchan, despite being in the industry for over two decades. Overwhelmed, he expressed, “I have spent 20 years in the industry, and this is the first time I am meeting you face-to-face.” Amitabh warmly responded, “It feels like we’ve met many times before. Watching your performances, it feels like you’re part of the family.”
Vikrant shared that his role as Manoj resonated deeply with him on a personal level. Before offering the script, the film’s producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, recommended the book 12th Fail, which chronicles Manoj’s journey. Reading the book late one night, Vikrant was moved to tears by the story’s depth and emotion. He recounted a scene that left a lasting impression on him, where Manoj’s father visits him at an atta-chakki, a moment that reversed traditional roles, with the son shouldering the responsibilities of the father. This moment of familial responsibility mirrored a significant event in Vikrant’s own life, where he had to step up to support his family, making the role all the more meaningful.
Personal Triumphs and Humble Beginnings
The episode wasn’t all about intense recollections; lighter moments provided a glimpse into the lives of Manoj and Vikrant beyond their public personas. Vikrant shared how Manoj and his wife, Shraddha, bonded over their love for food, recounting how they navigated life together in Delhi on a tight budget during their early days. Manoj’s story of saving up for modest meals and setting small goals as rewards for passing exams highlighted the simple joys and challenges of young couples striving to build a life together.
Tackling the KBC Questions
As the episode progressed, Manoj and Vikrant showcased their teamwork and knowledge while tackling the Kaun Banega Crorepati questions. They answered several challenging questions, utilizing the “audience poll” and “video call a friend” lifelines to secure their answers. For instance, they identified Wavel Ramkalawan as the President of Seychelles for the ₹1,60,000 question and accurately answered “Burma” when asked about Lord Louis Mountbatten’s title.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Dedication and a Heartwarming Surprise
One of the highlights of the episode was Vikrant’s praise for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s dedication as a filmmaker. Vikrant shared a story about Chopra’s commitment to excellence, recalling how Chopra once insisted on finding a sitar from the 1960s to ensure the film’s music authentically reflected the era. Chopra’s meticulous attention to detail extended beyond aesthetics; when 12th Fail performed beyond expectations, Chopra showed his gratitude by paying a bonus to every member of the production unit, a rare gesture in the film industry. “Nobody does this, but when 12th Fail did more than it was supposed to, all the unit members were given a bonus equivalent to their remuneration,” Vikrant revealed.
In a surprising turn, Amitabh Bachchan took the opportunity to call Vidhu Vinod Chopra, reminiscing about the time Chopra had once scolded him for arriving 10 minutes late to the set. This unexpected phone call added a lighthearted touch to the episode, celebrating Chopra’s passion for filmmaking and dedication to his craft.
Manoj’s Tribute to His Mother and Reflections on Resilience
The episode concluded with an emotional moment as Manoj paid tribute to his mother. He recited a heartfelt poem that left everyone, including the audience and host, deeply moved. The tribute reflected his gratitude and respect for his mother’s sacrifices and the hardships she endured to support his journey. His words resonated with anyone who has overcome struggles with the support of loved ones, highlighting the strength of family bonds.
Manoj’s journey, from his challenging childhood in Chambal to becoming an IPS officer, epitomizes resilience. Through his experiences, he symbolized the idea that despite adversity, determination and support from loved ones can pave the way to success. Vikrant’s portrayal of this journey in 12th Fail speaks to the power of storytelling, connecting audiences to real-life narratives of courage and tenacity.
Reflections on the Episode
This episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 was more than just a quiz show; it was a platform for sharing inspiring stories that resonate with viewers. Manoj Kumar Sharma’s path to the IPS serves as a reminder of the importance of education, perseverance, and the will to rise above one’s circumstances. Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey’s portrayal of Manoj in 12th Fail and his reflections on the role highlighted his dedication as an actor and his commitment to telling authentic stories that inspire others.
The episode brought to life stories of struggle, sacrifice, and success, emphasizing the transformative power of resilience. Manoj’s story, deeply rooted in his humble beginnings, is a testament to how far determination and a supportive environment can take someone. Vikrant’s connection to Manoj’s life and his journey as an actor added another layer of meaning, demonstrating how art and real-life stories intersect to inspire change.
As the credits rolled, the episode left viewers with a profound sense of admiration for both Manoj Kumar Sharma and Vikrant Massey. Through their stories, Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 reminded audiences of the strength found in resilience, the value of dreams, and the beauty of lives dedicated to overcoming adversity. The inspiring journeys of both guests served as a beacon of hope, encouraging viewers to believe in their potential to rise above challenges, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.