In 2011, a quiet man from Bihar became a household name across India. That man was Sushil Kumar, who made history as the first-ever contestant to win ₹5 crore on the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). His story captured the nation’s imagination—one of humble beginnings, a dream fulfilled, and, unfortunately, a hard fall from grace.
From Motihari to Millionaire
Sushil Kumar was born in Motihari, Bihar, into a modest family. He worked as a computer operator under the MNREGA scheme, earning just ₹6,000 a month. Despite financial constraints, he was deeply passionate about learning. In his free time, he prepared for competitive exams and watched KBC, dreaming of one day being on that very stage with Amitabh Bachchan.
That dream came true in 2011, during KBC’s fifth season. With calm confidence and a sharp intellect, Sushil answered his way to the top and walked away with ₹5 crore—the biggest prize ever awarded on the show at that time.
His victory made headlines. He was invited for interviews, celebrated by political leaders, and seen as an icon of hope for many underprivileged youths. For a moment, he was India’s symbol of what hard work and knowledge could achieve.
When Success Turned Into Struggle
But success came with challenges he hadn’t anticipated. With no financial background or guidance, Sushil found himself overwhelmed by sudden wealth and fame. In an attempt to maintain his newfound image, he made poor financial choices—investing in unverified ventures, spending lavishly, and trusting people who took advantage of his kindness.
Eventually, his fortune dwindled. At one point, his situation was so dire that he had to sell cow milk just to survive. What was once a dream-come-true had turned into a cautionary tale.
Why Sushil Kumar Lost His ₹5 Crore KBC Wealth: Top 5 Reasons 
- No Knowledge of Financial Planning
Sushil had little understanding of how to manage a large sum of money. Concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, tax planning, and risk management were unfamiliar. Without a structured plan, his decisions were impulsive rather than strategic.
- 2. Failure to Seek Professional Advice
Most big winners hire financial advisors—Sushil didn’t. He made major investment decisions without expert input, which led to:
- Investing in failed ventures
- Falling for scams
- Not tracking his expenses
- Putting all eggs in one basket with no diversification
- Emotional and Unstructured Spending
In an effort to meet public expectations and appear successful, he:
- Donated and gifted large sums to people without due diligence
- Supported unknown social causes
- Spent heavily on things that didn’t bring lasting value
- 4. Inability to Differentiate Between Asset and Liability
He spent on things that looked impressive—like flashy events or media promotions—but didn’t invest in income-generating assets. This common mistake quickly drained his capital without creating long-term returns.
- Delayed Realization and Recovery
By the time Sushil understood his financial errors, most of the money was already gone. His journey to rebuild wasn’t easy—he had to start from scratch, eventually taking up a job as a government school teacher and rebuilding his life away from the spotlight.
Sushil Kumar’s journey is more than a story of riches to rags. It’s a reflection of how critical financial literacy is in today’s world—regardless of how money comes into your life. His experience serves as both an inspiration and a warning: knowledge can win you crores, but wisdom is what helps you keep it.
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