Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has made stars of several contestants over the years, but none more memorable than Sushil Kumar, the first contestant to win Rs 5 crore in KBC 5 in 2011. His victory made headlines across the nation, but his life after the win took a surprising and unfortunate turn.
The Rise to Fame
Sushil Kumar, a school teacher from Bihar, made history on KBC when he became the first person to win the grand prize of Rs 5 crore. His knowledge and intelligence impressed millions of viewers, and he quickly became a household name. However, despite his newfound wealth, Kumar’s life would take a dramatic shift in the years following his victory.
The Downfall: Financial Struggles and Addiction
In 2020, Kumar shared a candid post on Facebook, revealing how he squandered his winnings and struggled with addiction. Despite having won a life-changing sum of money, he admitted that he became addicted to drugs, alcohol, and smoking, which led him down a path of financial instability. He also revealed how people around him took advantage of his naivety, cheating him out of money during his numerous public appearances.
His personal life also suffered. Kumar mentioned that his relationship with his wife began to deteriorate, with frequent arguments about his inability to judge people’s character. His finances, once booming, were quickly depleted as he faced numerous hardships.
The False Rumors
In a turn of events, Kumar became the subject of rumors when, during a walk, he spoke to a journalist and expressed his frustrations about losing all his money. This led to widespread speculation that he had become a pauper. These rumors were further fueled by his statement that he was now living by raising cows. The media quickly picked up on the story, and the public believed that the once-rich KBC winner had lost everything.
However, Kumar later clarified that these rumors were false. While he did face financial struggles, he confirmed that he had not lost all of his wealth. After taxes, he had received Rs 3.5 crore from his KBC win, and his life was far from the state of ruin that had been portrayed.
A New Beginning
Despite the challenges he faced, Sushil Kumar has managed to turn his life around. In 2023, he was selected as a government teacher of psychology, which marked a significant milestone in his professional journey. Additionally, Kumar has taken an active role in promoting environmental sustainability through a tree plantation campaign.
Kumar’s journey, from winning Rs 5 crore on KBC to battling personal demons and financial mismanagement, is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and fortune. However, his story also highlights resilience and the potential for redemption, as he works to rebuild his life and contribute to society.
The Final Question and Legacy
Kumar’s historic win on KBC came when he correctly answered the question about the colonial power that sold the Nicobar Islands to the British on October 18, 1868. The correct answer was Denmark, which Kumar answered with complete confidence. His intellect and composure impressed Amitabh Bachchan, who hailed him as the real Slumdog Millionaire, acknowledging his sharpness and wit.
Today, Sushil Kumar remains a figure of inspiration for many, showing that even when life takes unexpected turns, there is always a chance to rebuild, grow, and contribute positively to the world.
