Amitabh Bachchan Reacts to Ujjwal Nikam’s Kasab Revelation
During a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam recounted his encounters with Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan reacted strongly, saying he would have shot Kasab if he had known the gunman was coming to meet him.…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a rare crossover between courtroom drama and television entertainment, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was left stunned after prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam recounted his first meeting with Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The exchange took place on the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the popular Indian game show that Bachchan hosts. The episode, which aired on September 25, also featured actors Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, and ended with the trio raising a substantial prize for a charity that supports visually impaired children.
Kasab’s Courtroom Confessions
During the show’s discussion of the Mumbai attacks, Nikam described how Kasab first appeared in court. He claimed that the gunman initially gave investigators and the judge conflicting accounts about his identity, age and motives. According to Nikam, Kasab told the court that he had come to Mumbai because he was a fan of Hindi cinema and wanted to visit the home of the very man who would later react to him on television.
Kasab also made several bizarre statements during the trial. He insisted that he had been arrested on November 6, not during the November 26 attacks, and that India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), had detained him. He later tried to claim he was a minor, arguing that juvenile justice laws should apply. A bone‑density test was conducted to establish his age, and the court ultimately found him to be an adult.
In another episode of the trial, Kasab alleged that he was being poisoned with rice powder. The substance was sent to a laboratory for examination, but no evidence of poisoning was found. Despite these claims, the court convicted Kasab and sentenced him to death for his role in the attacks. He was executed in 2015, after a lengthy appeals process.
Bachchan’s Shocked Response
When Nikam asked Bachchan why Kasab’s execution took several years after his death sentence, the actor’s reaction was immediate. Bachchan said he would have shot Kasab if he had known the gunman was coming to meet him. The comment, though made in a light‑hearted setting, underscored the deep emotional impact that the 2008 attacks still have on India’s public figures.
While the statement was taken as a dramatic flourish, it also highlighted the enduring trauma of the attacks. For many, the memory of the violence and the loss of life remains fresh, and the idea of a personal confrontation with the attacker is a chilling thought.
Charitable Outcome and Behind‑the‑Scenes Insight
The special KBC episode was not just about past crimes. The hosts and guests raised Rs12.5 lakh, which was donated to Manobal, a Jalgaon‑based organization that works with visually impaired children. The charity’s work has been praised for providing education and support to children who would otherwise be left behind.
In addition to the charitable segment, the episode offered viewers a glimpse into Nikam’s career. The prosecutor discussed his experience handling high‑profile criminal cases and the challenges of prosecuting a terrorist. These insights were set to be featured in his upcoming book, Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam.
What Happens Next?
With the execution of Kasab already completed, the focus shifts to how the nation remembers the attacks and how the legal system deals with terrorism. Nikam’s testimony provides a rare inside look at the judicial process, while Bachchan’s reaction reminds us of the personal toll such events take. The charity’s continued work and the upcoming book suggest that the legacy of the 2008 attacks will continue to shape public discourse for years to come.
Key facts
- Ujjwal Nikam detailed Kasab’s courtroom claims
- Kasab claimed to be a fan of Hindi cinema
- Amitabh Bachchan reacted strongly to the revelation
- The episode raised money for a charity for visually impaired children
- Kasab’s execution was delayed by legal appeals
- Nikam’s upcoming book will explore the trial further
Why it matters
The episode underscores how the 2008 Mumbai attacks continue to shape public consciousness, reminding viewers of the personal and legal ramifications of terrorism.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main reason for Kasab’s delayed execution?
The execution was delayed due to a series of appeals and legal challenges that extended the process.
How did Kasab justify his presence in Mumbai?
He claimed he was a fan of Hindi films and wanted to visit Amitabh Bachchan’s home.
What charity benefited from the KBC episode?
The money went to Manobal, an organization that supports visually impaired children in Jalgaon.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Amitabh Bachchan’s explosive reaction to Ujjwal Nikam’s Kasab revelation on KBC 18: What he says he would have done”
