Amitabh Bachchan Pays Tribute To Martyrs And Heroes Of 26/11 On KBC 16

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NOVEMBER 26,2024

November 26 is a date that gives chills down every Mumbaikar's spine, as today was the day when the horrifying attacks of 26/11 occurred 16 years ago. The terrorists entered the city, killing several innocents in iconic places like Leopold Cafe, The Taj, and CST station.

While many commoners lost their lives, several policemen also martyred in an attempt to protect the city from the menacing terror attacks. Mumbai police and the Indian army showcased bravery by sacrificing their lives for the nation.

In a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, Amitabh Bachchan paid homage to the brave heroes and innocent victims, commemorating the day that changed the fate of the city.

Amitabh Bachchan's heartfelt message to the heroes of the 26/11 attacks

In a special episode of the quiz reality show, the legendary actor honoured the heroes of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and offered prayers to the innocent lives that were lost 16 years ago.

The episode, which will premiere on Tuesday, featured Shri Vishwas Nangre Patil, Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra, and Sanjay Govilkar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Mumbai, who shared their experiences.

Shri Vishwas Nangre Patil, who served as the DCP for Zone-1 in South Mumbai during the attacks, starts the episode by reciting a poem 'Main Khakhi Hoon', by Sukriti Madhav. Moved by his words, Big B said, 'I would like to stand and pay our respects to you.'

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Recalling the events of the terror attacks, Patil said, 'That night, our meeting lasted till late because the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, was scheduled to come to Mumbai for an event on the 28th. I had recently been posted in Mumbai, and my wife was serving me dinner."

"I was still in uniform because my night round was about to begin at 12. When I received a call instructing me to rush to Leopold Cafeacute, my driver was downstairs, and I had called him to be ready," he remarked.

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He continued, "As I was giving instructions, I got another call about the situation at the Taj Hotel, where a grenade blast was heard and AK-47 gunfire was reported. It quickly became clear this was a terrorist attack, and I decided to head to the Taj."

"By then, the terrorists had killed 11 people and injured several others. There was a gate at the entrance, and I had previously suggested replacing the glass gate with an iron grill, but that couldn't be done because it was a heritage site. Ironically, the terrorists broke through that very gate to enter,' Vishwas Nagre Patil further added.

The heroes mourn other heroes who martyred

The Don actor, who was visibly shaken by the story, went on to say, 'We learnt that many of your team members were martyred in the crossfire, and many lives were lost. This is truly heartbreaking. Hearing you speak about it leaves us trembling. How do you have the courage to carry out such tasks?'

Reflecting on the loss, Sanjay Govilkar mentioned, "At the time, we found out that many from our team were no longer with us. I was very close to them."

He recounted a rather emotionally challenging moment: 'In a bathtub, a mother lay with her 3-year-old child, protecting the child from the attack. I cannot sleep even today when I think about it.'

Reciting a patriotic verse, Govilkar recited, 'Duniya mein mil jayenge aashiq kayi, magar vatan se khoobsurat sanam nahi hota, noto mein simat kar mare, sone mein lipat kar marein hain kayi, magar tirange se khoobsurat kafan nahi hota. (You may find many lovers in the world, but none as beautiful as the love for one's country. Many have died wrapped in riches or gold, but no shroud is more beautiful than the tricolour).'

Amitabh Bachchan and the studio audience were in awe as the sets of KBC echoed with the chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai!"

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