KBC 16: From Chander Parkash to Anamika Majumdar, meet the crorepatis of Amitabh Bachchan's show

India's most popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), first aired in 2000 on Star Plus, has been one of most beloved reality TV shows that has entertained millions of viewers ever since. Hosted by the legendary Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan AKA Big B, KBC has captured the hearts of millions, not only for its exciting gameplay but for the emotional stories shared by the contestants. Now in its 16th season, Kaun Banega Crorepati continues to inspire with its contestants' journeys. Amitabh Bachchan has often spoken about how he gets deeply connected to each contestant, listening to their moving stories.

Let's take a look at some of the amazing winners or contestants who became crorepati from previous seasons, who went on to win big and made history on the show. Here’s a list of crorepatis of KBC across all seasons.

Harshvardhan Nawathe – KBC Season 1 (2000)

Credit: BCCL

The very first season of Kaun Banega Crorepati introduced India to Harshvardhan Nawathe, a civil service aspirant. While preparing for his Civil Services exam, Harshvardhan was invited to audition for the show. Not only did he participate, but he also became KBC’s first crorepati by winning Rs 1 crore. After his victory, he moved to the UK to pursue higher studies, got married, and now enjoys a successful career with a top firm.

Brajesh Dubey – KBC Season 2 (2005)

Credit: Indian Express

In KBC Season 2, Brajesh Dubey, an engineer from Guna, made headlines when he won Rs 1 crore. Unlike the third season, which had no crorepati, Brajesh was the only contestant to win big in Season 2. His success story is still remembered as one of KBC's most remarkable wins.

Rahat Taslim – KBC Season 4 (2010)

Credit: BCCL

Rahat Taslim created history in KBC's fourth season as the first female crorepati on Kaun Banega Crorepati. A doctor-in-training who had put her dreams on hold after marriage, Rahat used her prize money to open a garment store. Her inspiring story has motivated many women across India.

Sushil Kumar – KBC Season 5 (2011)

Credit: India Today

In KBC Season 5, Sushil Kumar, a computer operator from Bihar, won a staggering Rs 5 crore. He became the first contestant in KBC history to win such a large amount. However, Sushil later shared on social media that his sudden wealth brought challenges, including marital troubles, financial mismanagement, and struggles with alcoholism. Despite the difficulties, Sushil remains an iconic figure in the list of Kaun Banega Crorepati winners.

Sunmeet Kaur – KBC Season 6 (2012)

Credit: BCCL

Sunmeet Kaur, a fashion designer, faced several professional hurdles due to family restrictions. But after her victory in KBC Season 6, she overcame these limitations and founded her own fashion house. Sunmeet’s story is a testament to how KBC can change lives in unexpected ways.

Firoz Fatima and Taj Mohammad Rangrez – KBC Season 7 (2013)

Credit: India Today

Two remarkable winners emerged from KBC Season 7. Firoz Fatima, the first crorepati of the season, used her Rs 1 crore prize money to support her family after her father’s passing. Taj Mohammad Rangrez, the second crorepati, spent his winnings on his daughter’s vision impairment treatment, bought a house, and helped marry off two orphaned girls. Their selfless acts of kindness made their wins even more meaningful.

Achin and Sarthak Narula – KBC Season 8 (2014)

Credit: HT

In Season 8, brothers Achin and Sarthak Narula from Delhi won an incredible Rs 7 crore. The Narula brothers generously used their winnings to fund their mother’s cancer treatment. Their victory remains one of KBC’s most heartwarming moments.

Anamika Majumdar – KBC Season 9 (2017)

Credit: Filmibeat

Anamika Majumdar, a social worker from Jharkhand, became the first crorepati of KBC Season 9. She dedicated her Rs 1 crore prize to support the NGO she was associated with, furthering her social work efforts. Anamika’s story reflects the spirit of giving back to the community.

Binita Jain – KBC Season 10 (2018)

Credit: NBT

Binita Jain, a teacher from Guwahati, won Rs 1 crore in KBC Season 10. With her prize money, she aimed to provide a better future for her children. Binita’s win highlighted the power of education and persistence, making her an inspiring figure for many.

Sanoj Raj, Babita Tade, Ajeet Kumar – KBC Season 11 (2019)

Credit: Amarujala

KBC Season 11 saw three crorepatis. Sanoj Raj, who aspired to become an IAS officer, won Rs 1 crore and stopped before the Rs 7 crore question. Babita Tade, a school cook earning just Rs 1500 a month, also won Rs 1 crore. Her story deeply moved viewers as she too chose to quit before answering the Rs 7 crore question. Ajeet Kumar, a jail superintendent and station master, became the third crorepati of the season.

Mohita Sharma and Nazia Nasim – KBC Season 12 (2020)

Credit: Indian Express

Nazia Nasim became the first crorepati of KBC Season 12, followed by Mohita Sharma, an IPS officer. Nazia’s success was celebrated for her keen intellect, while Mohita’s amusing revelation about getting two Maggi masala sachets in one pack added humour to her victory. Both women made Season 12 special for KBC viewers.

Himani Bundela, Sahil Ahirwar, Geeta Singh Gaur – KBC Season 13 (2021)

Credit: The Better India

Himani Bundela from Agra became the first visually impaired contestant to win Rs 1 crore in KBC Season 13. Sahil Ahirwar, the son of a security guard, also won Rs 1 crore, followed by Geeta Singh Gaur, a homemaker from Gwalior. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the diversity of talent at KBC.

Kavita Chawla – KBC Season 14 (2022)

Credit: NBT

Kavita Chawla, from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, became the sole crorepati of KBC Season 14. Despite not answering the Rs 7.5 crore jackpot question, Kavita’s years of preparation paid off. Her love for reading and continuous learning brought her the win.

Jaskaran Singh – KBC Season 15 (2023)

Credit: TOI

In KBC Season 15, 21-year-old Jaskaran Singh from Punjab won Rs 1 crore. He shared his lifelong dream of appearing on the show and his ambition to become an IAS officer. Jaskaran’s win was a moment of pride for him and his family.

Chander Parkash – KBC Season 16 (2024)

Credit: Live Hindustan

The latest season of Kaun Banega Crorepati has crowned its first crorepati – Chander Parkash from Jammu and Kashmir. The 22-year-old won Rs 1 crore after answering a tough geography question about the largest city in a country that is not its capital. His victory marks another inspiring chapter in KBC’s legacy of changing lives.