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Sushil Kumar who won Rs 5 cr on KBC, lost all money, got addicted to alcohol, sold milk for survival, is a teacher now

Sushil Kumar's story is one of both triumph and tragedy. After winning Rs 5 crore on the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Sushil Kumar experienced a dramatic rise to fame. However, the fortune that came with his victory soon led him down a path of misfortune, including addiction and financial ruin.

August 12, 2024 / 13:41 IST

Sushil Kumar's story is one of both triumph and tragedy. After winning Rs 5 crore on the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Sushil Kumar experienced a dramatic rise to fame.

However, the fortune that came with his victory soon led him down a path of misfortune, including addiction and financial ruin.

In 2011, Sushil Kumar became a household name when he won the staggering Rs 5 crore prize on KBC.

Hailing from Bihar, his success story was an inspiration to many, especially those from humble backgrounds. However, what followed his win was a series of unfortunate events that drastically altered the course of his life.

Sushil Kumar had back then revealed in a Facebook post, which went viral, that after winning the money, he was cheated by numerous people who took advantage of his newfound wealth.

Also Read: When KBC contestant Sushil Kumar who won Rs 5 crore said, "The worst time of my life was when I won KBC"

His generosity and lack of financial acumen led him to make unwise investments and donations, which drained his winnings rapidly. He became a philanthropist, addicted to making 'secret donations,' and would attend thousands of events in a month, thinking he was doing good.

However, he later realised that many of these donations were being exploited by those who were simply taking advantage of his kindness.

This period of financial instability was compounded by personal issues, as his relationship with his wife began to deteriorate.

Sushil Kumar mentioned that his wife often criticised him for not being able to distinguish between right and wrong and for being too concerned with helping others without securing their own future. This strain led to frequent arguments and further stress in his life.

The downward spiral continued as Sushil Kumar got involved with a crowd that indulged in alcohol and smoking. He confessed that during a week-long stay in Delhi, he spent time with various groups, engaging in drinking and smoking, which led to a cycle of addiction. The company he kept, who he found intellectually intimidating, led him to feel inadequate, further pushing him towards substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

In the midst of this turmoil, Sushil Kumar's financial situation worsened, and he eventually went bankrupt. The once-celebrated KBC winner found himself surviving by selling milk, a far cry from the life of luxury many expected him to lead after his big win. He shared an anecdote about a journalist from an English newspaper who asked him about his financial status. Irritated and perhaps embarrassed, Sushil Kumar admitted that his money was gone, and he was now living a modest life, selling milk to make ends meet.

This revelation led to widespread media coverage, further isolating Sushil Kumar as those who once surrounded him for his wealth and fame distanced themselves. He was no longer invited to events, giving him time to reflect on his life choices and the direction in which he wanted to head next.

Eventually, Sushil Kumar found solace in a quieter life. He decided to focus on education and became a teacher, finding a sense of purpose in helping others through knowledge rather than money. Although he had once aspired to enter the film industry and even tried his luck in Mumbai, these dreams did not materialize, leading him to settle into his new role as an educator.

Entertainment desk -
first published: Aug 9, 2024 05:05 pm

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