Sit up and take notice of women, says Big B

Amitabh Bachchan says Sunmeet Kaur Sawhney, who has won Rs.5 crore in a sixth season game of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) and become the first female contestant to take home the mega prize, has proved that women are strong and no less than men.

"Sunmeet Kaur of Mumbai, Maharashtra, a housewife that gave tuitions... was impeccable in the HotSeat. She never hesitated on any question, or did any kind of guesswork. At the Rs.1 crore mark, she had the option of two life lines, but refused them because she said she was somewhat sure of the answer," Amitabh wrote on his blog.

"Sunmeet chose to make quiet celebration, a Bhangra dance with her husband, the very affable Manmeet Singh, who we often see in ads and films...," he added.

A mother of two daughters, Sawhney hails from Chandigarh and has been staying in Mumbai since a few years back now.

Amitabh also mentioned the Delhi gang-rape incident that has shocked the nation.

"In the days that have gone by, where the dignity of a young girl has been maligned and brought to shame through the most heinous and disgusting acts of a bunch of animals, it gave me great pleasure to see a woman in a man's world, taking on the many painful experiences, and coming out victorious."

"Her (Sawhney) status as a woman was never compromised, and given an opportunity, she has proved to an entire nation, which hangs its head in shame for the gang-rape victim, that women are strong and no less than men that they do occupy an equal measure of importance and presence in a civilised world."

The 70-year-old feels its high time society should give women their rightful place in the society.

"Sit up and take notice of the women in our country. They are half our strength... We must protect them. Give them their place in society, honour them and look upon them with dignity and standing," he posted.

The episode featuring Sawhney's victory will be aired next week.

In the fifth season of KBC, Bihar-based computer operator Sushil Kumar had won the mega-prize of Rs.5 crore.

By arrangement with Mid-Day.com