Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is not just a game show, it’s a platform where dreams come true, where lives are transformed, and where stories of struggle turn into stories of victory.”
Amitabh Bachchan has often said while hosting, for many participants, the show isn’t merely a chance to win money but an opportunity to change their lives and the lives of their families.
One such heartfelt story is that of Sumitra Dinesh Kapade, a 30-year-old housewife from Surat, Gujarat, who recently took the hot seat, determined to turn her family’s fortunes around.
Sumitra’s journey to KBC was one filled with hope, determination, and perseverance. Born and raised in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, in a modest family, Sumitra completed her B.Com. despite numerous financial hardships. At 23, she married and moved to Surat, focusing on her household after her husband took on the role of sole provider.
The Financial Strain on Sumitra’s Family
In 2020, Sumitra and her husband made a significant investment, purchasing a house worth ₹16 lakhs. Taking a loan of 13 lakhs for 20 years, the financial burden took its toll. Her husband, who worked as a labourer in a diamond factory, often fell ill due to the harsh working conditions.
His health continued to deteriorate, forcing him to leave his job in 2023 and start driving an auto rickshaw for 13-14 hours daily to make ends meet. Despite his unwavering efforts, the stress was evident on his face, and it broke Sumitra’s heart to see him in such a state.
Sumitra, too, took up a job stitching fake diamonds onto sarees to contribute, earning a mere ₹4-5 per piece. However, when their daughter was born, she had to give up that job, focusing on her newborn while her husband shouldered the financial strain alone.
The Road to the KBC Hot Seat
For years, Sumitra had dreamt of appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati. The show offered not just fame but a chance for a fresh start. After five years of attempts, including a heartbreaking failure in the General Knowledge round of auditions last year, Sumitra never gave up. She doubled down on her studies, determined to pass all the rounds, and finally made it to the hot seat.
Her emotional journey on KBC was a poignant reminder of the struggles many face behind closed doors. When Amitabh Bachchan asked her about her motivation, she spoke about her husband’s sacrifices and how she longed to ease his burden. Her husband lovingly called her ‘Lakshmi,’ but Sumitra wanted to truly embody the goddess of wealth for her family and restore the smile that had long disappeared from his face.
Sumitra’s Big Win: A New Beginning for Her Family
Sumitra’s persistence paid off as she won ₹12.50 lakh, with an additional ₹1.60 lakh from the ‘Dugnashtra,’ bringing her total winnings to ₹14.10 lakh. With this amount, she plans to pay off their home loan.
Sumitra’s victory was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience of women like her, who bear the weight of their family’s struggles yet never lose hope.
She went back to Surat not just as a winner but as a symbol of determination and love, bringing back not only financial stability but the promise of a brighter future for her family.
Kaun Banega Crorepati more than just a game show
Her story is a reminder of why KBC holds a special place in the hearts of millions. As Amitabh Bachchan watched Sumitra walk off the set with her head held high, it was clear that KBC had once again become more than just a game show. It had become a lifeline.
