Sanoj Raj becomes first contestant of Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 to win Rs 1 crore

Sanoj Raj — who is currently studying for UPSC exams in Delhi — has become the first contestant of Amitabh Bachchan’s game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 to win 1 crore. The 25-year old IAS aspirant, who did not know the answer of 7 crore question, bowled out of the game and decided to take Rs 1 crore home.

The 7 crore question was ‘Who was the Indian bowler off whom Australian legend Don Bradman got a single to reach his 100th first-class century?’ The four options that Sanoj Raj was given were Baqa Jilani, Commander Rangachari, Gogumal Kishenchand and Kanwar Rai Singh. The correct answer of the question was Gogumal Kishenchand but he opted to bowl out of the game.

When  Sanoj reached Rs 1 crore question, which reads, “The father of which Chief Justice Of India was one of the first Chief Minister of an Indian state?” Despite knowing the answer, Sanoj Raj used the last remaining lifeline becuase he would not be able to use the lifeline for 7 crore question. The answer of the question was Ranjan Gogoi.

Sanoj Rai basically belong to Bihar’s Jehanabad district is the first contestant of Kaun Banega Crorepati season 11 to win Rs 1 crore. Despiting not knowing the answer of jackpot question, he was quite happy about winning a crore.

Sanoj Raj — who could not complete his studies due to some financial problems — said that his father is a farmer and it is his money. Sanoj’s mother is a homemaker and stays in a joint family along with his grandparents, uncle, aunt, brothers and a sister.

The first winner of Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 was accompanied by his father and uncle. After winning a crore, he called up his mother, who said his struggles had borne fruit.

Speaking about his journey, Sanoj said, “There were 10 of us as contestants, who were put up in a hotel. We became friends. One thing I found irritating was the clothes. I have always given importance to comfort while dressing up but on the show, fitting and colours were more important. So much effort went into choosing our clothes.”

He didn’t study extra for the show. “I was studying for civil services, so I didn’t do any extra preparation,” he told news agency IANS.

Speaking about his experience of having a conversation with Amitabh Bachchan, “I had only seen him on the big screen. When I met him, he spoke to me as if he has known me for a long time,” Sanoj said.

Also Read: Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 Teaser: Amitabh Encourages People To Stick To Their Faith