KBC's first Crorepati gets ready for her new life

Rahat Taslim from a village near Giridih, Jharkhand, became the first person to win the Rs 1 crore prize on the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 4.

The 37-year-old woman could not pursue her dream of becoming a teacher because of the conservative nature of her family. So she added to the family income by running tailoring classes.

Looks like she won't have to worry about money any more!

Rahat Taslim tells Rajul Hegde about her big win. The episode of her winning will be telecast tonight on Sony Entertainment Television, at 9pm.

What was it like when you went on the sets of KBC for the first time?

It all seemed strange at first. But I settled down almost immediately. I was more nervous in the fastest finger qualification round than the hot seat! I just couldn't do anything. I kept hitting the wrong buttons. I became clumsy with nervousness. On the fourth round, I decided that I have to hit the right button because that would be the last chance for me to sit on the hot seat.

What was first thing that popped in your mind when your name was called after the fastest finger first round?

I knew my answer was right but was not sure whether I was the fastest on the button. I was sitting with my head down when my name was announced. I was so excited and happy. I don't have the words to express it.

How was the experience of shooting with host Amitabh Bachchan?

I thought I would get over my nervousness but I got more nervous when I sat in front of Amitabh Bachchan. But he and the crew were very nice to me and made me comfortable. He is such a big star but he spoke to me like a commoner. I became a roll-over contestant. After that, I was less nervous.

Are you a fan of Amitabh Bachchan?

Yes, I'm a big fan since childhood. I liked him in Baghban. I am a big fan of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan too.

Did you do any kind of preparation for this show?

Yes. I worked on my general knowledge. I've always had a good hold on Arts and Science. I had come with huge expectations and did a lot of preparation for the show.

How important is this prize money to you?

It is very important. Rs 1 crore is big money. I have not even seen Rs 50,000 at one time in my life. First, I will repay all my loans. Then I will use this money for my children's education. My son is in Standard 10 and my daughter in Standard 7. Plus, I want to expand my tailoring and open a boutique.

Did you sew your own outfit for the show?

Everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to do anything. I had to buy a ready-made dress. But my students and friends appreciate my designs. 

Are your family and friends aware that you have won a crore?

I had told everyone that I was selected for the hot seat but hadn't told them how much I had won. Now they know because the promos are on air.

I came to Mumbai the day the promos went on air. I don't know how they will react. My mother always thought I was very unlucky. But I am happy that I brought luck for my family. People will remember me for generations.

How will your life change now?

My life has already changed. People, who didn't know me, know me now. I have starting giving interviews. Word spreads fast in a small town. My son is already hesitant to go to school for fear of being asked too many questions.

Is there anything interesting thing you want to share?

Yes. October 17 has proved lucky for me. That was the day I got the call confirming my qualification. That, coincidentally, is also my birthday and wedding anniversary.

Any interesting incident during the auditions?

When I was coming to Mumbai for the auditions, I was very tensed at the airport. I was looking for my husband (who works as an office assistant in a government firm in Cochin). He was flying from Cochin to Mumbai. Suddenly, I bumped into someone lugging a trolley. It was Sunil Gavaskar.

You didn't have a pan card or a bank account before you came for the auditions.

Yes. I didn't have a bank account because we could hardly save any money. After the auditions, we thought it was important to have both. So we opened an account and applied for a pan card too.