KBC 17: Shafali Varma Reveals Debut Zero, Jokes on Diet with Amitabh Bachchan
Shafali Varma on KBC 17: From Zero to Hero Journey

The upcoming episode of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 promises an evening of inspiration and laughter, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. The special guests are none other than the dynamic India Women's Cricket Team, featuring the young batting sensation Shafali Varma. The episode is filled with candid stories, team camaraderie, and playful moments that offer a glimpse into the lives of these celebrated athletes beyond the cricket field.

Hilarious Banter Over Junk Food and Diets

One of the most entertaining segments involved a light-hearted interrogation about the team's diet. With his signature wit, Amitabh Bachchan probed the players on whether they were allowed to indulge in junk food during tournaments. Shafali Varma mischievously deflected the question, pulling her coach's leg by saying, "Nahi sir, Coach bol rahe hai, Coach se puchiye" (No sir, the coach is saying, ask the coach).

Teammate Sneh Rana quickly backed her up, adding, "Sir hum inse bhi dieting karvate hai" (Sir, we make them diet even more). This prompted a hearty laugh from Bachchan, who remarked, "Ha yeh achi baat hai" (Yes, that's a good thing).

The host, curious about their post-victory celebrations, cheekily asked if they had gorged on pizza after their big win. He then turned to coach Amol Muzumdar and pleaded, "Ab toh ye world cup jeet kar aaye hain. Ab inhe junk food allowed kar do" (Now they have won the World Cup. Please allow them junk food now). The coach's immediate and firm "Nahi" (No) sent the entire studio, including the team and audience, into fits of laughter.

Shafali Varma's Inspiring Journey: From Sahil to Stardom

In a more reflective moment, Shafali Varma opened up about her humble beginnings and the unconventional path that led her to cricket stardom. She revealed that her family faced financial constraints, and initially, only her brother was sent for cricket coaching. Shafali would accompany him and tease him from the sidelines, claiming the drills looked easy.

Her father, impressed after she hit her first two balls well, encouraged her to play. With no women's cricket academies nearby, she began playing with boys. A pivotal moment came when her brother fell sick before a tournament. Shafali wore his T-shirt, which had his name 'Sahil' on it, played in his place, and remarkably, was named the 'Player of the Tournament'. She identified this as the true turning point in her life.

Embracing the 'Zero' on Debut

Amitabh Bachchan then asked about her debut match for India. With a shy smile, Shafali confessed that her first-ever innings for the national team began with a score of zero runs, and she felt deeply embarrassed about it. The ever-graceful Bachchan immediately offered words of profound encouragement that resonated across the set. He reassured her, "Don't be embarrassed… jiska zero hota hai, baadme jaake hero hota hai" (The one who has a zero, later becomes a hero).

The episode is also noted for a heartwarming moment where singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh was seen touching Amitabh Bachchan's feet on the KBC set, adding to the show's emotional tapestry. This special episode of KBC 17 masterfully blends motivation, humor, and heartfelt stories, showcasing the human side of India's cricket champions.