Mayurbhanj, Oct. 3 (UDN): A long-cherished childhood dream came true for Sonali Seshadri, a young woman from Khunta in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, as she made it to the hot seat of the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and walked away with ₹12.5 lakh in prize money.
Sonali, who works as a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) in the Postal Department, appeared on the show and shared the hot seat with Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
From KBC Registration to the Hot Seat
Sonali had nurtured the dream of appearing on KBC since childhood. She registered for the show in January this year and cleared the selection process in March.
Her journey continued with an audition in Kolkata in June. After successfully clearing the audition, she finally took the coveted hot seat on September 17.
The episode featured a total of 16 questions. Sonali answered 12 questions correctly before choosing to quit the game at the 13th question. Her decision earned her ₹12.5 lakh.
An Unforgettable Meeting With Amitabh Bachchan
Sonali's experience went beyond the quiz itself. During the approximately three-hour shoot, Amitabh Bachchan interacted with her and asked about her family and background.
Reflecting on the experience, Sonali said that sitting opposite the legendary actor and fulfilling her childhood dream was an unforgettable moment.
She also revealed that although she knew the answer to the 13th question, she chose not to risk her winnings because she was uncertain about proceeding further.
Mother Shares Her Joy
Sonali's mother, Reena Dalei, accompanied her during the programme and witnessed the memorable experience.
Reena said that travelling by flight had also been one of her long-standing dreams, and she was able to fulfil it because of her daughter. Meeting Amitabh Bachchan, speaking with him and shaking hands with him made the experience particularly special for her.
Sonali's parents, who work as private tutors, expressed pride in their daughter's achievement.
For Sonali, the journey from a childhood dream and KBC registration to the iconic hot seat has become a memorable milestone — and a moment of celebration for her family and the people of Mayurbhanj.
