14-year-old Haryana boy, youngest to win ₹1 cr on iconic Kaun Banega Crorepati show

A 14-year-old boy from Mahendragarh has entered the record books by becoming the youngest contestant to ever win Rs 1 crore on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Mayank, a Class 8 student, stunned audiences when he correctly answered the 16th question for the maximum prize of Rs 1 crore on the 15th edition of the iconic show hosted by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Young winner in Kaun Banega Crorepati

A promo released by the show's producers shows a confident Mayank clinching the mega prize, stating "The only thing that matters is your knowledge." In the video, Amitabh Bachchan is seen asking Mayank’s parents about his extraordinary performance. "He has stressed his school teachers too. He is two steps ahead of them in the classroom," his father remarks.

Displaying skilled gameplay, Mayank won Rs 3.2 lakh without using any lifelines. He used his first lifeline on the Rs 12.5 lakh question.

Answering 15 questions with ease, Mayank reached the coveted “Rs 1 crore” question about which European cartographer created the first map with the name “America.” The options given were Abraham Ortelius, Geradus Mercator, Giovanni Battista Agnese and Martin Waldseemüller. Mayank correctly chose Martin Waldseemuller.

The final question 

The young scholar also attempted the final question for Rs 7 crore but was unable to answer. He finished the game having won Rs 1 crore.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated Mayank on the social media platform, (X) for showcasing his outstanding hunger for knowledge.

हरियाणा के महेंद्रगढ़ के लाल, आठवीं कक्षा के होनहार छात्र मयंक ने KBC जूनियर में अपने ज्ञान और कौशल से 1 करोड़ रुपये की राशि जीतकर प्रदेश का नाम रोशन किया है।

जीनियस बेटे के पिता से फ़ोन पर बात कर उन्हें बधाई दी और मयंक के उज्जवल भविष्य की कामना की। pic.twitter.com/NjDeKo4xD3

— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) November 27, 2023

Mayank said he felt "very fortunate" to demonstrate his capabilities at such a prestigious platform. He thanked his parents and host Mr. Bachchan for their support. The teenage crorepati plans to continue his education and realize his dreams.