On a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 17, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, shared insights into his family's close ties with the Tata family. Birla appeared on the show as a special guest, accompanied by his family. During the episode, he spoke with Amitabh Bachchan about his personal journey, family values, and the enduring relationship between the Birlas and the Tatas.

Birla highlighted the deep respect and trust that characterized the bond between his grandfather, Basant Kumar Birla, and J.R.D. Tata. He emphasized that their relationship was built on shared values and affection, transcending mere business transactions. Birla fondly recalled a time when the Birla family held more shares in some Tata companies than the Tatas themselves, illustrating the immense trust between the two families.

He also spoke about the friendship between Ratan Tata and his father, Aditya Vikram Birla. Birla recounted how Ratan Tata was present during his father’s final rites and offered words of support, stating, "Always remember you have a friend in me". Birla expressed his deep respect for Ratan Tata, recognizing him as a man of integrity and compassion who consistently prioritized people and principles over profit. He mourned Ratan Tata's passing last year, calling him "a true son of India".

Amitabh Bachchan noted that the names Tata and Birla are often mentioned together when discussing India's industrial history. Birla responded by affirming that both families have always been committed to nation-building, viewing business as a means to contribute to society.

During the show, Birla faced a question for ₹2,00,000 related to Ratan Tata's academic background. The question asked which discipline Ratan Tata graduated in from Cornell University, and Birla correctly answered "Architecture".

An audience member inquired about which of his three children – Ananya, Advaitesha, and Aryaman – he felt closest to. Birla responded that he is equally close to all three and immensely proud of them. Aryaman, Birla's son, is a former cricketer who now manages businesses within the Aditya Birla Group, including those in fashion, retail, real estate, and paint.

The episode concluded with Birla expressing gratitude for his family's legacy, emphasizing the importance of trust, humility, and responsibility. He conveyed his feeling of being fortunate to be part of a lineage that prioritizes these values.