The latest episode of the beloved quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 kicked off with rollover contestant Avilash Hota from Puri, Odisha, taking the hot seat. Host Amitabh Bachchan started with his signature energy, humorously addressing a frequent viewer query about his energetic entry. He quipped that if he didn't run to claim the host's chair swiftly, someone else might just take over.
Celebrity Guest and Cultural Exchange
The episode featured a special appearance by celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar. Big B warmly welcomed him, praising his culinary talent. Ranveer Brar shared a heartfelt childhood anecdote, revealing that he once travelled from Lucknow to Prayagraj just to see Amitabh Bachchan's ancestral home. Compared to that long journey, coming to the KBC set felt much shorter. He then requested Mr. Bachchan's blessings for his own show, MasterChef.
The quiz resumed with Avilash facing a question for ₹15,000 about the 'Banglar Bari' housing scheme. He correctly identified Option C) West Bengal. This led to a light-hearted moment where Amitabh Bachchan confessed he only knows three sentences in Bengali. He joked that if anyone tried to engage him in a long conversation in the language, he would be at a loss.
Avilash's Journey and Lifelines
For the ₹20,000 question, "Ni Hao is a phrase associated with which language," Avilash used his 50-50 lifeline and correctly chose Option A) Chinese. The contestant, who works as a pharmacy specialist, revealed an amusing hobby, calling himself a "bathroom actor" for mimicking actors in private. He also introduced his father, who is an actor in Odia cinema.
The game progressed to a ₹50,000 question about which foreign leader received a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita from PM Narendra Modi in December 2025. Unsure, Avilash used the Audience Poll lifeline and followed the majority vote to select Option B) Vladimir Putin, which was correct.
A Poetic Interlude and Family Legacy
One of the episode's most poignant moments came when Big B interacted with Avilash's father. The latter expressed his deep admiration for Amitabh's father, the legendary poet late Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and requested a recitation from 'Madhushala'.
In response, Amitabh Bachchan shared a fascinating backstory. He explained that 'Madhushala' is just one of his father's 60-70 books, first recited in its entirety at a poetry conference at Banaras Hindu University around 1931-32. He then narrated an intriguing incident where someone complained to Mahatma Gandhi about the poem allegedly encouraging youth to drink. Gandhi Ji called Harivansh Rai Bachchan, listened to a few stanzas, and declared there was nothing wrong with it, giving his blessings. "We were saved," Big B concluded, before reciting a few lines from 'Madhushala' to a cheering audience.
The Final Question and Exit
Facing the ₹2,00,000 question, "Sushila Karki was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of which country?", Avilash used his final 'Sanket Suchak' lifeline. Still uncertain, he decided to quit the game. He made a guess, choosing Option A) Bhutan, but the correct answer was Option B) Nepal.
Avilash Hota exited the show with a prize money of ₹1,00,000. The episode concluded on a warm note, blending quiz tension with personal stories, cultural references, and the timeless charm of Amitabh Bachchan.
