The latest episode of *Kaun Banega Crorepati 17* featured the renowned businessman Kumar Mangalam Birla as a special guest. This marked his inaugural appearance on the iconic quiz show, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Birla is the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group and a prominent figure in Indian business.
Kumar Mangalam Birla Discusses His Father’s Expectations
During the show, Birla shared insightful anecdotes about his father, Aditya Vikram Birla. He revealed a crucial lesson from his father: the importance of starting from the bottom before joining the family business.
Facing Challenges in His Career Path
When prompted by Bachchan about this advice, Birla recounted his experience after graduation. He initially intended to join his father’s office immediately. However, his father insisted that he first become a Chartered Accountant (CA), a path he considered difficult. Birla expressed his feelings of disappointment as his ambitions seemed to fade.
“I thought I would start working after graduation, but my father told me to become a CA first. At that moment, it felt like all my dreams were slipping away,” he said. Despite his reluctance, Birla was adamant about pursuing an MBA instead.
Birla further elaborated on his father’s strict stance: “If I didn’t become a CA, there would be no place for me in the office.” In a moment of vulnerability, he approached his grandfather for support, only to be encouraged to tackle the challenge on his own.
The Role of Family in His Life
In addition to discussing his father, Birla acknowledged his grandfather and his great-grandfather as significant influences in his upbringing. He described them as towering figures who imparted valuable lessons in responsibility and social understanding.
- Father: Aditya Vikram Birla – taught him the complexities of business.
- Grandfather: Offered wisdom on social responsibility.
- Great-grandfather: Instilled in him a sense of national duty.
A Historic Milestone for Kaun Banega Crorepati
This year is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of *Kaun Banega Crorepati*. The show first aired on July 3, 2000, and has remained a staple of Indian television, continuing to engage audiences with its format and compelling stories.
As the episode progressed, Amitabh Bachchan also reflected on familial support, sharing memories of how Sarojini Naidu had aided his father’s inter-caste marriage, highlighting the enduring themes of family and tradition.
Kumar Mangalam Birla’s stories emphasize the value of hard work and perseverance instilled by his family, a reminder that success often comes from humble beginnings.
