In a landmark episode of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, the hot seat was graced by one of India's most prominent industrialists, Kumar Mangalam Birla. The Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Group made his first-ever appearance on Hindi General Entertainment Television, sharing a candid and personal journey with host Amitabh Bachchan.
A Father's Unwavering Condition
The conversation took a revealing turn when Bachchan highlighted the well-known principle of the Birla family: starting from the bottom. The host expressed amazement that such a rule applied even to the scion, given his privileged background. In response, Kumar Mangalam Birla recounted a pivotal moment from his youth that shaped his career path.
He revealed that after completing his graduation, he had assumed he would directly join his father, Aditya Vikram Birla, at the office. However, his father set a non-negotiable condition. "I thought that after graduating, I would join my father’s office and start working. But my father said that wouldn’t happen and that I would first have to become a CA. CA is very tough," Birla shared.
The young Birla was taken aback, feeling his dreams were slipping away. He persistently pleaded to pursue an MBA instead, but his father remained firm. "He told me that if I didn’t become a CA, there would be no place for me in the office," the industrialist recalled.
Seeking Refuge and Finding No Escape
Faced with this ultimatum, a desperate Kumar Mangalam Birla turned to his grandfather for support, even breaking down in tears. To his disappointment, his grandfather refused to intervene, stating he could not help and that the task had to be completed independently.
His final hope was his mother. Her advice, while sympathetic, offered no reprieve from the challenge. She simply told him that he had to do it regardless, and the choice was only in his attitude—whether he would "cry through it or do it with a smile." This family-wide stance underscored the discipline and meritocratic values instilled in him, ensuring he earned his place through hard-won qualification.
A Historic Season for KBC
This insightful episode arrives in a special year for the television giant. Kaun Banega Crorepati completes 25 years since its inaugural episode first aired on July 3, 2000. The show, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan since its inception, continues to be a cultural touchstone, blending knowledge-based competition with heartfelt human stories.
Kumar Mangalam Birla's appearance not only provided a rare glimpse into the making of a business leader but also perfectly aligned with the show's enduring theme of knowledge, perseverance, and life lessons. It highlighted that success, even within a legendary business family, is built on a foundation of rigorous personal effort and accountability.
