Kaun Banega Crorepati 16: Olympic double medallist Manu Bhaker shares Mary Kom and PV Sindhu are her inspirations

In a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 16, contestant Banti Vadiva captured the hearts of viewers with his knowledge, resilience, and humility. Coming from a small town and an Adivasi background, Banti showcased his determination as he climbed the prize ladder, ultimately walking away with a substantial Rs 50 lakhs. His journey on the show, however, was about more than just the money—it was a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance.

Banti, the first Adivasi contestant to appear on the current season of KBC, shared his emotional story of overcoming significant financial challenges to make it to the show. In the previous episode, he spoke candidly about the hardships his family endured to support his education. “My coaching fees were ₹11,000,” Banti revealed, “and despite the immense financial strain, my father and mother always stood by me. They struggled to secure a loan for my tuition because they wanted me to avoid a life of farming and find a better path.”

Banti expressed his desire to be a role model for his community. He said, “For generations, farming has been the only option for people in my village, but I believe that knowledge can open new doors. I came to Mumbai with just ₹260 in my account, and now, thanks to this show, I have become a lakhpati. With this money, I will pay off my father's loan and show my village that dreams can come true, no matter how difficult the journey.”

Banti’s journey on KBC was filled with moments of tension and triumph. After successfully answering a series of challenging questions, he reached the Rs 50 lakh milestone. The question that brought him this victory was: "Bricks made of which of these materials were commonly used as currency until the 19th century in China and parts of Asia?" The options were Cardamom, Tea, Saffron, and Clove. Using two lifelines, Banti correctly answered Tea, securing the impressive sum of Rs 50 lakhs.

The tension heightened as he faced the Rs 1 crore question: "In 1948, which of these did Bengali sculptor Chintamoni Kar win for an artwork titled ‘The Stag’?" The options were the Pythagoras Prize, the Nobel Prize, the Olympic Medal, and the Oscar Medal. Banti remained composed but admitted he wasn’t confident about the answer. Instead of risking his winnings on a guess, he chose to walk away with Rs 50 lakhs, a decision that earned him admiration from host Amitabh Bachchan.

The correct answer to the Rs 1 crore question was the Olympic Medal, but Banti’s decision to quit was hailed as wise. Amitabh Bachchan praised him for his composure, saying, "It takes courage to know when to stop, and you’ve made the right decision. Congratulations on your achievement." The episode aired on Teacher’s Day, and Big B reflected on Banti’s inspiring journey, noting, “It’s knowledge and wisdom that take you places in life. It doesn’t matter where you come from; what matters is the knowledge you hold.”

Banti Vadiva’s appearance on KBC has been a source of inspiration for viewers across the country. Although he didn’t win the Rs 1 crore prize, his determination, intelligence, and humility made a lasting impression. He may have walked away with Rs 50 lakhs, but more importantly, he left the show with the respect and admiration of Amitabh Bachchan and millions of viewers.

After Banti’s inspiring episode, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) aired a special episode titled ‘Jeet Ka Jashn’ to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indian Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Aman Sehrawat. Manu Bhaker, India’s first female shooter to win two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Aman Sehrawat, the youngest Indian to secure an individual Olympic medal in freestyle wrestling, graced the stage and shared their inspiring journeys of dedication and perseverance.

The episode opened with a standing ovation and loud chants of "India" as Manu and Aman took the iconic hot seat. Their appearance on KBC was not only a dream come true for them but also a source of immense pride as they were recognized for their sporting achievements. While Manu was joined by her parents, Aman was accompanied by his coach and brother, making the moment even more special for the two athletes. Their presence on the show added a new chapter to their extraordinary stories, blending their Olympic victories with the thrill of being on a platform that has inspired millions.

The episode began with Amitabh Bachchan asking the first question worth Rs 1,000: "Which of these refers to a fleet of ships that travel for trading and commercial purposes?" The options were Merchant Navy, Business Navy, Franchise Navy, and Market Navy. Both athletes confidently chose the correct answer, Merchant Navy, setting the tone for an exciting episode ahead.

Big B couldn’t resist complimenting Manu Bhaker, saying, “Two things that I really like about you are your smile and your saree. When I saw you accepting your medal, I thought I’d compliment you on your smile when we met, and it’s my honor to do so now.” Manu graciously thanked the legendary actor, adding a touch of warmth and charm to the episode.

As the two athletes answered the questions of the first round, Big B took the opportunity to ask them about their sources of inspiration. Aman Sehrawat recalled his tough loss at the previous Olympics, where he was defeated 10-0. Fueled by determination, he trained hard to face the same opponent again and succeeded in defeating him 10-0 in the 2024 Olympics.

Manu, on the other hand, spoke about her mother being her greatest inspiration. “My mom always dreamed of being an athlete but lacked the resources and support. Although she never competed at the highest level, she was great at sports. She always gave me the freedom to pursue my interests, and even when I felt scared, she would say, ‘Don’t worry, just play.’ It was her dream, too, to see me where I am today.” Manu added that athletes like Mary Kom and PV Sindhu also motivated her to follow her dreams and strive for the Olympic stage.

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In a deeply emotional moment, Aman Sehrawat opened up about his challenging childhood. He revealed that he lost both his parents when he was just 11 years old, which left him without emotional or financial support. Despite this devastating loss, Aman’s older brother became his pillar of strength, supporting him as the family struggled to make ends meet. “We didn’t have enough money as my relatives are farmers, but my brother stood by me throughout,” Aman shared.

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The episode, filled with inspiration and heartwarming stories, paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of these two athletes. Their journeys serve as a reminder that, despite challenges, hard work, determination, and the support of loved ones can lead to greatness. Both Manu Bhaker and Aman Sehrawat left a lasting impact, not only through their Olympic achievements but also by touching the hearts of millions of viewers on Kaun Banega Crorepati.