Amitabh Bachchan-hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 featured Vishal Premchand Rathod, a daily wage labourer from Washim, Maharashtra, in Tuesday’s episode. Vishal, who said he earns around Rs 500-600 a day whenever he finds work, became emotional after clearing the ‘Fastest Buzzer First’ round and securing a place on the hot seat.
His parents and two sisters accompanied him on the show and were also moved to tears as he reached the hot seat. Vishal won Rs 5 lakh during Tuesday’s episode and will return on Wednesday to attempt the Rs 50 lakh question. Up to the Rs 5 lakh stage, he had used just one lifeline, the audience poll.
For the Rs 5 lakh question, Vishal was shown an image and asked which Indian Army unit features the animal depicted on its insignia. The options were Bihar Regiment, Assam Regiment, Kumaon Regiment and Madras Regiment. He confidently selected Assam Regiment, which turned out to be the correct answer.
During the episode, Vishal revealed that he has been preparing for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination for three years. However, financial difficulties have repeatedly made it difficult for him to purchase application forms and study materials, preventing him from concentrating fully on his preparation.
A video featured on the show showed Vishal explaining that he and his father leave home each day looking for daily wage work, although there are occasions when they return without finding employment. His mother works as a cleaner, while the family pays Rs 7,000 in monthly rent despite having a limited and uncertain income.
Vishal also spoke about his attempts to secure a regular job. He said several employers rejected him because he lacked experience, while others expected him to have strong references. His father subsequently folded his hands and appealed to viewers to help his son find employment so that he could have a stable source of income. Amitabh Bachchan also urged people to assist Vishal in finding a job.
Talking about his family, Vishal said he wanted to improve their circumstances and change their future. He noted that his father is 56 and his mother is 48. Explaining why he works as a labourer, he said, “Majboori hai isliye mazdoori hai” (I am helpless, which is why I work as a labourer). He added that his goal was to secure a good job and no longer have to depend on searching for daily wage work.
Vishal will return in Wednesday’s episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 to face the Rs 50 lakh question.
The latest season of Kaun Banega Crorepati features 16 questions, with the top prize set at Rs 7 crore. Contestants initially receive two lifelines, with two additional lifelines becoming available as the game progresses. The new season premiered on August 10, 2026.
