The first Crorepati of KBC expresses gratitude to the show KBC and Amitabh
Bachchan

By
RUBY ZAIDI

Sony Entertainment Television’s game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati where a person win money in lakhs crores and fullfill his/her dreams, celebrates a remarkable milestone—25 glorious years of knowledge, of enabling dreams to become a reality, and building moments that are life-changing. The grand celebration happened on January 20, with the “Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav,” the special episode was full of nostalgia, excitement, and unforgettable memories. The occasion turned out even more special, the very first crorepati who made history, Harshvardhan Nawathe, joined the iconic episode, reminiscing his journey and sharing his wonderful experience.
Harshwardhan was a young guy 25 years ago, and now television viewers saw him as an aged man with grey hair, he is a successful entrepreneur, his mesmerising smile said it all about his happy life.

Kahani Jeet Ki, a brand-new segment on Kaun Banega Crorepati, would be full of inspiring stories of victory and transformation. And who better to begin this journey than the first-ever crorepati, Harshvardhan Nawathe! As he stepped onto the iconic stage once again, he was welcomed with a special video showcasing the historic moment when he became the first crorepati, remembering the magic that changed his life forever.

In a heartfelt conversation with Harshvardhan, the Superstar of the Millennium Amitabh Bachchan, the incredible host of KBC asked, “Maanyawar, how does it feel to sit on the hot seat once again?”To this, Harshvardhan replied with a smile, “Sir, this is an entirely new hot seat—it feels different. And for this grand celebration of knowledge, we have a silver jubilee and a silver hot seat. After so many years, being back here feels surreal. Even the set looks different now. Back then, the lighting was different too. Since this morning, I’ve been reliving the emotions of the day I first came here—the anticipation, the anxious wait for the show to start, and the excitement of meeting you, Amitabh Bachchan Sir. Everything feels the same even today. It’s like I’m back in time, waiting to hear you say, ‘Harshvardhan, the next question is on your computer screen.’ I’m truly reliving that magical day.”

Amitabh Bachchan then asked, “Do you remember what happened on the set when you were declared a crorepati? Of course, we saw in the video the grand shower of confetti, but what was the actual atmosphere like?” With pride, Harshvardhan responded, “I remember every single detail of that day, Sir, and I always will. A person’s identity is defined by their achievements, and for me, this platform was the turning point of my life. The audience felt like my extended family; they were as happy as I was. I still remember people coming up to me—I even gave my first autograph that day. At the time, I didn’t know how to give an autograph, so I signed it the way I did at the bank. Later, a friend advised me to create a unique signature. That’s when I truly realized something extraordinary had happened.”

Harshvardhan further shared another touching memory with Amitabh Bachchan: “One moment stands out vividly, Sir. After I won, during a break, your makeup artist Deepak Dada came for your touch-up, but you told him, ‘Wait, do Harshvardhan’s touch-up as well.’ I was stunned! The person who had been doing your makeup for 50 years was now being asked to do mine too. That was the moment I truly felt my life had transformed. There’s something else I’ll always cherish, Sir. After the show, you invited us for a personal meeting. We talked for a long time, and you gave me advice that I didn’t fully understand at the time but has stayed with me ever since. You said, ‘Harsh, you don’t know what you’ve done, and you must live your life responsibly from now on.’ Back then, I thought I’d just won a quiz show—nothing more. But the very next day, when the media frenzy began, I started to understand the weight of your words. Today, after all these years, I truly understand how valuable that advice was.”

The episode turned out to be heart touching, it gave tears in the eyes of millions of viewers, undoubtedly Kaun Banega crorepati is one of the biggest reality shows in the television history.