From KBC’s first crorepati Harshvardhan Nawathe to Khichdi Kaku, where are they now: Amitabh Bachchan’s show turns 25

While interacting with Amitabh Bachchan, Himani said, “I never imagined that there would be such a big change in my life. It feels like a miracle; I feel like I was reborn after appearing on KBC.” When Big B asked her what was the atmosphere like at home after her win, she replied, “It felt like Diwali had lasted for three months at our home. Sir, I have already given over 400 interviews and public appearances.”

She then praised Amitabh Bachchan and said, “Your name is very influential, like the sun. Wherever you go, you radiate light.”

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Harshvardhan Nawathe, KBC’s first crorepati

Earlier, KBC’s first crorepati Harshvardhan Nawathe also appeared on the show. “This platform was the turning point of my life,” he said.

Harshvardhan Nawathe became the poster boy of the reality quiz show after his win in 2000. He used the prize money to experiment with his life and went on to the UK to do MBA. “The win allowed me to experiment a little more than I would have. That is what changed my life.”

Speaking with Amitabh Bachchan, Harshvardhan, now 50, told the star, “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.”

He recalled a stand-out moment from the day he won. He told Amitabh Bachchan, “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.”

Harshvardhan works as the head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Mahindra Group. He is happily married and a father of two sons. Sharing his journery, Harshvardhan said the show brought him recognition and even after all these years, people still react differently to his name.

The story of Babita Tade, aka Khichdi Kaku

The show also witnessed the return of winner Babita Tade, lovingly known as Khichdi Kaku. She was known for cooking khichdi for the children at a school. After her win in 2019, Babita Tade has now become a teacher at the same school.

Speaking with Amitabh Bachchan, she said, “Five years ago, after winning, the self confidence I gained has stayed with me throughout my life. KBC gave me this self-confidence. My whole life changed after KBC. Everything I have been able to do and all the respect I have gotten is after the show.” Responding to her, Amitabh Bachchan said, “She never forgot her responsibilities, even after winning.”

Over the days, many other winners will take part in the celebration of 25 years of Kaun Banega Crorepati and share their “Kahani Jeet Ki”, a special segment dedicated to light stories of incredible triumph and transformation.