Mumbai, Dec 3 (NationPress) In the next episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, India's youngest cricket prodigy, Shafali Verma, shared her early challenges and the unique beginnings of her sports career. During an intimate chat with the iconic host and actor Amitabh Bachchan, she recounted how her first match was marked by a zero-run performance, a memory that remains vivid for her. Reflecting on her early days, Shafali disclosed, “Our family faced financial difficulties, and my father initially enrolled my brother in cricket coaching. I would accompany him, teasing that the drills seemed easy. One day, my father encouraged me to give it a shot, and I impressed him with my first two balls.”

She further revealed, “There were no women’s cricket academies in our vicinity, so I began playing alongside boys. When my brother fell ill before a tournament, I donned his T-shirt with his name ‘Sahil’ and played in his stead… and I was named the Player of the Tournament. That marked a pivotal moment in my life.”

Responding to Amitabh Bachchan's inquiry about her debut score for India, she shyly admitted her first innings concluded with zero runs, which embarrassed her. Amitabh quickly comforted her, stating, “There’s no need to feel embarrassed… ‘jiska zero hota hai, baadme jaake hero hota hai’ (those who start with zero often become heroes in the future).”

This episode highlights how Shafali Verma turned early setbacks into a flourishing career that continues to uplift Indian women's cricket globally. Previously, renowned comedians Sudesh Lehri and Kiku Sharda joined Amitabh Bachchan on the hot seat, with Lehri candidly reflecting on his challenging upbringing. He shared, “As a child, I never attended school, not even nursery. We struggled with poverty.”

In a deeply moving moment, he paid tribute to the cinematic legend, stating that Amitabh Bachchan served as an unknowing guide throughout his artistic journey. Growing up amid hardships, he expressed, “I was always passionate about films. My first theatre experience was thanks to someone else’s generosity, and I watched ‘Shankar Shambhu’.”

Lehri continued, “Later, I viewed your film ‘Ganga Ki Saugand’, where you had that memorable hand scene. I repeatedly watched ‘Namak Halaal’ due to my love for comedy.”

He reminisced, “We even obtained a videocassette of that film.” He continued, “The song ‘Ke Pag Ghunghroo Bandh Meera’ and the scene where you dance with slippers left a lasting impression on me. Everyone knows you as the angry young man, but I learned comedy from you. Everything I write or perform is influenced by your work. I have seen every one of your films and can recite the dialogues.”

KBC, hosted by Amitabh, has become a prime platform for numerous celebrities and filmmakers to showcase their projects. Meeting with Amitabh Bachchan on the show is regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.

–IANS