Sushil Kumar's victory on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2011 was nothing short of a dream come true. Winning Rs 5 crore on the popular game show made him an overnight sensation, and his life was expected to change for the better. However, Sushil later revealed that his life took a drastic turn for the worse after his big win. In a candid Facebook post, he described how the fame and fortune brought him immense challenges that he was not prepared for, leading him to some of the darkest moments of his life.
"The worst time of my life was after I won KBC," Sushil Kumar admitted in his note. What should have been the beginning of a prosperous life turned into a period of great turmoil. The newfound wealth and fame brought with it a set of problems that Sushil had never anticipated. He wrote, "From 2015 to 2016, it was the most difficult time of my life, and I could not figure out what to do."
Also Read: Radhika Merchant's unseen video from wedding goes viral, watch here
After his victory, Sushil was constantly in the public eye. Invitations to events poured in, with him attending around 15 events each month. But the pressure to maintain his image and the expectations from others became overwhelming. To keep up appearances, Sushil began investing in various businesses. Unfortunately, these investments were not successful, leading to significant financial losses.
Sushil's troubles didn't end there. He also faced betrayal from business partners who took advantage of his inexperience. The pressure of maintaining his new lifestyle and dealing with these setbacks pushed him into a downward spiral. "I was subsequently cheated by business partners, became an alcoholic, and my relationship with my wife suffered because of this," he shared, reflecting on how the allure of wealth and fame had led him astray.
His personal life took a significant hit, particularly his relationship with his wife. The stress and pressures of his post-KBC life strained their marriage, leading to a period of deep personal crisis. Sushil’s admission of his struggles is a stark reminder of how sudden fame and fortune can sometimes bring more harm than good.
In an attempt to find a new direction, Sushil moved to Mumbai with dreams of becoming a filmmaker. However, his aspirations in the entertainment industry did not pan out as expected. He was advised to try his luck in television first, but even this path did not provide him the solace he was seeking. "Staying in all day and reading about things made me take an unbiased look at myself, and I realized that I didn’t come to Mumbai to become a filmmaker but to run away from my own self," Sushil confessed.
It was during this period of introspection that Sushil began to understand the importance of inner peace and self-realization. He realized that true happiness lies in following one’s heart and being content with who you are, rather than chasing fame or wealth. "The true happiness is in doing what your heart wants to do. You can never calm down your ego. It’s a thousand times better to be a good human than a famous one," he wrote, encapsulating the wisdom he gained from his hardships.
Sushil eventually returned to his roots, finding solace in a simpler life. He moved back to Mumbai as a teacher and worked to rebuild his life from the ground up. In 2016, he quit drinking, a significant step towards reclaiming his life. By 2019, he had also stopped smoking, further indicating his commitment to a healthier, more meaningful existence.
Sushil Kumar's story is a powerful reminder that success and money do not always equate to happiness. His journey after winning KBC is a testament to the challenges that can accompany sudden fame and fortune. Sushil's ability to reflect on his experiences and make meaningful changes in his life serves as an inspiration for many who may find themselves in similar situations.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
