In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination, Paras Mani Singh, an e-rickshaw driver from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has captured the nation’s attention after securing a significant win on the popular television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Singh’s journey from the streets of Muzaffarpur to the KBC hot seat is a testament to the power of dreams and hard work.
Singh’s rise to fame began during the ‘India Challengers Week’ on KBC, where he outperformed other contestants in the ‘Fastest-Five’ round, earning him the coveted opportunity to face Amitabh Bachchan on the iconic quiz show. The ‘Fastest-Five’ segment is a fiercely competitive round where ten contestants from across India battle it out, with the winner being the one who answers five consecutive questions the quickest. Singh’s victory in this round set the stage for his momentous appearance on KBC.
Reflecting on his life before the show, Singh shared how the COVID-19 pandemic had dealt a severe blow to his livelihood. His mobile recharge shop, which had been his primary source of income, was forced to shut down during the lockdown. Struggling to make ends meet, Singh turned to e-rickshaw driving, a decision that was made possible with the support of his family. Earning between ₹500 to ₹700 daily, Singh worked tirelessly to support his loved ones while keeping his dream of appearing on KBC alive.
The chance to sit across from Amitabh Bachchan on the KBC hot seat was a surreal experience for Singh. Despite initial nerves, Bachchan’s warm and humorous demeanor helped ease his tension, allowing Singh to approach the game with newfound confidence. His dedication to general knowledge and current affairs, honed through years of practice and constant learning, served him well as he navigated the challenging questions on the show.
However, Singh’s journey on KBC wasn’t without its challenges. When faced with a particularly tough question about Mahatma Gandhi, he made the wise decision to exit the game, securing a substantial prize of ₹12.5 lakhs. While some might have been tempted to take a risk, Singh chose to prioritize the winnings he had already earned, a decision that reflects his practical mindset and deep sense of responsibility toward his family.
Singh’s wife, Anshu Singh, expressed her immense pride and joy in an interview, revealing how her husband’s unwavering dedication to general knowledge had always been a defining feature of their lives. “I never thought my husband would be on the show,” she shared. “Since I got married, I’ve seen him watch KBC all the time. We never have songs or movies playing on our TV; it’s always general knowledge and current affairs.” Anshu also credited Singh’s passion for learning as a significant factor in their daughter’s academic success.
Looking back on his journey, Paras Mani Singh reminisced about the long road that led him to KBC. “I had a dream of appearing on KBC. I come from a middle-class family and I am an honors graduate. My shop had to shut down, and we were struggling financially. My sister helped me by buying an e-rickshaw for me, but my dream of being on KBC never faded. I kept practicing and constantly watched general knowledge and current affairs on my mobile,” he recounted.
Singh also drew inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan himself, who shared during the episode that he was battling a brain tumor. This revelation resonated deeply with Singh, further motivating him to persevere in the face of adversity.
Paras Mani Singh’s story is not just about winning a game show; it’s about resilience, determination, and the belief that dreams can come true, no matter where you start. His success has not only transformed his own life but has also brought immense pride to his family and community. As Singh returns home with his hard-earned prize, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with dedication and perseverance, even the most improbable dreams can become a reality.
