Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 saw an emotional and high-stakes episode as Mumbai contestant Ruchita Adhalrao took home Rs25 lakh and emerged as one of the season’s most compelling contestants. Ruchita, an SSC aspirant, spoke openly about her family’s financial struggles in Dharavi, where she lives with her parents and brother in a tiny rented room. Her father works as a patient caretaker and earns around Rs600 a day, making even everyday expenses difficult to manage.
For Ruchita, the Rs25 lakh win is more than prize money. She believes a government job and financial stability could change her family’s circumstances.
The KBC Question That Took Ruchita To Rs25 Lakh
The 13th question on her way to Rs25 lakh was about Fort William in Kolkata, which was renamed Vijay Durg in 2025. The question asked which ruler the original Fort William was named after, with four options: William of Orange, William Rufus, William the Conqueror and William the Silent.
Ruchita initially leaned towards William of Orange, but used her 50:50 lifeline before locking in the answer. The two incorrect options were removed, giving her the confidence to go with her original choice, and she was right. Fort William was built by the British East India Company in Kolkata in the late 17th century. The original fort was named after William III of England, also known as William of Orange.
From A 10×10 Room To The KBC Hot Seat
Ruchita’s story became particularly poignant when she spoke about life at home. She revealed that the family struggles to pay rent for their 10-by-10-foot room, which is too small even for a bed. She said she has never slept on a bed and considers owning one a personal dream. Her mother, meanwhile, dreams of having a refrigerator.
Ruchita also revealed that her family cannot afford coaching classes or books for her SSC preparation. She uses public Wi-Fi to download educational videos and studies from them at home.
Her father recalled that she would often walk to college to save money on bus fare.
Who Is Ruchita Adhalrao?
Ruchita Adhalrao is a Mumbai-based student and SSC aspirant who appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18. Hailing from Dharavi, Ruchita comes from a financially struggling family and dreams of securing a government job to improve their circumstances. Her appearance on the show has brought attention to her determination to pursue education despite limited resources, including studying through downloaded YouTube lessons instead of paid coaching. On KBC 18, she showcased her strong general knowledge and won Rs 25 lakh, before taking on the challenge of attempting the Rs 1 crore question.
Shiwani works as a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering the entertainment beat. With a strong background in media, she is a true cinema buff who loves keeping up with the latest in pop culture and lifestyle trends. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Shiwani followed her passion and pursued a Master’s in Journalism from IIMC, choosing the road less travelled.
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