Rare feat even after 7 surgeries
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Sept 26: In a remarkable feat of determination and knowledge, 25-year-old Chander Prakash from Akhnoor town in Jammu district, has emerged as the first crorepati of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 16. Chander’s journey to winning Rs 1 crore is particularly inspiring, as it showcases the resilience of a young man who has battled severe health issues throughout his life.
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Born with a serious intestinal blockage, Chander has already undergone seven surgeries, with an eighth still recommended by doctors. Despite these challenges, his spirit remains strong as he prepares for the highly competitive UPSC exams, driven by his desire to serve the nation. His appearance on KBC, hosted by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, was marked by confidence and composure as he faced a series of increasingly difficult questions.
From the moment Chander stepped on the KBC stage, he impressed everyone including Big B with his remarkable knowledge, catching everyone off-guard with his insightful answers. His participation in KBC and presentation of indomitable spirit on the show quickly won the hearts of viewers.
Chander Prakash, speaking to Excelsior, shared his passion for online quizzes, which eventually led him to discover ‘KBC Play On’, a platform offering participants a chance for direct entry into the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). He revealed that he had previously auditioned for KBC in 2022 but was unable to reach the final round at that time. Despite this setback, Chander never lost hope and continued participating for the sheer fun of it rather than the prize. This year, after successfully clearing multiple rounds of auditions, he finally secured a spot in the finals and became the first crorepati of the current season.
Reflecting on his experience, Chander described the immense pride he felt sitting on the Hot Seat in front of the legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. Although initially a bit nervous, his confidence grew over time, allowing him to answer the questions calmly and with a clear mind. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics, Chander is currently awaiting his UGC NET result and is also preparing for the UPSC. He credited the books he studied for his UPSC preparation as instrumental in helping him succeed during the KBC auditions.
Chander’s father, Ashok Sharma, who serves as Private Secretary to the Director of Horticulture in Jammu, expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement. He remarked that Chander had not only made him proud but had also brought great pride to the entire Jammu and Kashmir region. Since becoming the first crorepati of KBC season 16, their home has been filled with well-wishers, including neighbors, relatives and friends, all eager to congratulate them. The celebratory atmosphere has been nothing short of a festival, with everyone sharing in the joy of Chander’s remarkable accomplishment.
Pertinently, Chander’s path to becoming the first crorepati began with a question worth Rs 3.2 lakh: “A ‘Yokozuna’ is the highest rank attainable in which contact sport?” Without hesitation, he correctly answered Sumo Wrestling, setting the tone for his remarkable performance. As the game progressed, Chander displayed exceptional knowledge and presence of mind, answering seven questions in the ‘Super Sandook’ segment and moving swiftly towards the Rs 25 lakh mark.
The defining moment came when Chander faced the Rs 1 crore question: “The largest city in which country is not its capital but a port with an Arabic name that means ‘abode of peace’?” Using his final lifeline, the Double Dip, he correctly answered Tanzania, making him the first crorepati of KBC Season 16. His victory was celebrated with a special prize- a Hyundai Venue SUV.
Having won Rs 1 crore, Chander was presented with the Rs 7 crore jackpot question. However, having exhausted all his lifelines and unsure of the answer, Chander chose to walk away with his winnings.
Chander Prakash’s story of resilience and determination not only made him the first crorepati of the season but also a source of inspiration for millions across the country. His achievement on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the will to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
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