Well-known billionaire industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla made an iconic television debut on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 17 on December 29, 2025, leaving audiences and host Amitabh Bachchan impressed with his candid answers about family, career and long-standing relationships.
During the Sony Entertainment Television episode, Birla was asked by an audience member which of his three children he was closest to. With characteristic warmth and wit, he responded that he is very close to all of them and expressed pride in each child, defusing the question with humour that had the studio laughing.
Birla also shared personal insights into his early career path, revealing how his father, Aditya Vikram Birla, made him complete his Chartered Accountancy (CA) before joining the family business, a condition that initially surprised him but shaped his professional discipline.
Another highlight of the episode was Birla’s reflection on the close bond between the Birla and Tata families. He recalled a time when the Birla family held significant share amounts in some Tata companies, emphasising the deep trust and mutual respect between the two business houses, a relationship he described as built on “itna bharose ka rishta tha”.
Birla’s appearance offered a rare personal glimpse into the life of one of India’s most prominent corporate leaders, blending business insights with heartfelt moments. With his grounded-to-earth humility and humour, he quickly became one of the season’s most talked-about guests.
