The latest season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), hosted by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, has been making headlines once again, and this time for a deeply emotional reason. The 16th season of the show has featured many inspiring stories, but none as touching as that of Naresh Meena from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
In a recent episode, Naresh Meena made headlines by winning Rs 50 lakhs. But her journey to the hot seat was marked by more than just her impressive performance on the show. Naresh, who had answered 14 questions correctly, opened up about her personal struggle that tugged at Amitabh Bachchan’s heartstrings.
A Fight Against Brain Tumor
Naresh Meena shared a poignant story with Amitabh Bachchan. She revealed that her dream of becoming a sub-inspector was derailed by a severe health issue. Naresh has been battling a brain tumor since 2018. Despite undergoing surgery in 2019, the tumor could not be completely removed.
She explained that the only viable treatment left for her is proton therapy, which is known to be expensive. Naresh came on KBC with the hope of winning money to fund this crucial treatment. The emotional conversation left Amitabh Bachchan deeply moved, prompting him to make a generous promise.
Amitabh Bachchan Steps In
Touched by Naresh’s courage and determination, Amitabh Bachchan offered to cover the entire cost of her proton therapy. In an act of immense kindness, Big B assured Naresh that she could choose any hospital or doctor she wished for her treatment, and he would take care of all the expenses.
Naresh later confirmed this gesture in an interview with Indian Express, stating, “After the show ended, Amitabh Bachchan’s team contacted me. They told me to choose whichever hospital or doctor I want, and assured me that Big B will bear all the expenses. I will get the entire Rs 50 lakhs I won, and Big B will cover the treatment costs.”
A Dream Fulfilled and a Future Planned
For Naresh, her time on KBC was more than just a chance to win money. It was a dream come true and a significant boost to her confidence. She shared that meeting Amitabh Bachchan and participating in the show was a momentous occasion in her life. She expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement she received from her village, which celebrated her return with a grand welcome.
Naresh also mentioned her plans with the winning amount. She intends to use part of her prize money to buy back jewelry that her mother had sold to support her treatment. Additionally, she plans to use some of the funds to build her own house. Naresh also expressed her desire to meet Bollywood actors Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal, citing them as her personal heroes.
The Long Road to KBC
Naresh’s journey to KBC was not an easy one. She had been trying to get on the show since 2017 and had given many auditions over the years. Finally, after seven years of perseverance, she reached the hot seat. Her family’s joy was palpable when she achieved this milestone. Naresh admitted that she had kept her participation a secret until the shooting of the episode, adding to the excitement and surprise for her loved ones.
Naresh Meena’s story on KBC is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the impact that kindness and support can have. Her determination to overcome her health challenges and the generous support from Amitabh Bachchan underscore the emotional depth and real-life impact of the popular game show.
