• 
• 

If I can do it, so can you!

Coming from a small village in South Kashmir called Chowgam, Manoj Raina is the first Crorepati on KBC Season 6. With intentions of spending his money for noble causes, Manoj talks to GR8! About his win.

Tell us something about your past and your journey to KBC – 6…
In 1988, when Kashmir was attacked by militants from Pakistan, all the Kashmiri Pandits were asked to leave the place. So we had to go to Jammu and start our life from scratch.

When the first season of KBC started in the year 2000, I tried for it back then but unfortunately couldn't make it. At that time, we didn't have many facilities and I had to go to the PCO for making calls. Then, they would say that if your answer is right, you'll get a call within 12 hours. I would wait for almost an entire day and this schedule continued for almost 2-3 months, but it was all in vain.

During that time, my life would revolve only around the phone and so, naturally, I was disheartened.  In 2009, my Executive Director Mr. Vinod Kumar gave me a book of poems where I read the lines: 'Koshish Karne Waalon Ki Haar Nahi Hoti'. This inspired me and I decided on giving my luck a chance again.

When I came to know that KBC 6 will happen; I made up my mind to participate in it. The registration process began in January and since then until August, I would read a lot of books, surf the internet, newspapers and spruced my knowledge. I would regularly call and SMS answers for all the questions. And after I was selected, somehow everything fell into place. When things didn't happen my way on the first day, I prayed to God, went to Siddhivinayak and Mahalaxmi and asked God for their blessings. The very next day I was on the hot seat! (Smiles).

How was your experience sitting right in front of Mr. Bachchan?
I used to watch Amitabhji’s movies. Jab se unhone picture mein aana kam kar diya, humne movies dekhna kam kar diya hai. I had this certain sense of superstardom that would overshadow me once I sit in front of him. Though I was quite hesitant at first, but as soon as I sat on the hot seat, I was so comfortable. It never felt like I am in some alien place; Amitji ensured that I was at home when with him. A celebrity like him treating you the way he did was really flattering.

Your take on ‘Gyaan Hi Aapko Aap ka Haq Dilaata Hai’…
As a kid, you study, you should never be contented. No one can ever say that I know everything as knowledge is limitless. You constantly need to update yourself; you should be knowledgeable enough to discuss about anything. According to me, gyaan hi aapko aapka haq, naam, maan aur inaam dilaata hai. If I can do it, so can you.

How do you plan to spend the money you have earned?
I plan to build a house for myself and get everything else that I do not have at my home. The rest of it will be used for the rehabilitation of the society. I wish to make a group with my friends and acquaintances & work towards the betterment of the illiterate and downtrodden people in J & K.

- Garvita Sharma