The seventeenth season of India's beloved quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, continues to deliver inspiring stories. The latest episode featured Dr Pooja Malhotra, an anesthesiologist from Ludhiana, Punjab, who secured the hot seat after winning the Fastest Finger First round.
From Ludhiana to the Hot Seat: A Doctor's Journey
Host Amitabh Bachchan welcomed a visibly shocked Dr Pooja, who could barely believe her luck. Upon taking the coveted seat, Big B inquired about her profession. Dr Pooja revealed she is an anesthesiologist and shared that her husband is also a doctor, working as an ENT surgeon.
The game began smoothly. The first question for Rs 5,000 asked what is generally eaten at the end of a meal. Dr Pooja correctly locked Option D) Dessert. She confidently answered the next few questions, navigating her way up the prize ladder.
Navigating Lifelines and a Personal Tale
The journey hit a bump at the Rs 2,00,000 question: "Which of these rivers originates in the Brahmagiri hills?" Unsure, Dr Pooja used two lifelines—'50-50' and 'Sanket Suchak'. With their help, she selected Option A) Kaveri, which was correct.
A charming interlude followed when Big B asked about the couple's love story. Dr Pooja's husband, who was in the audience, explained it was an arranged marriage facilitated by their parents. He humorously clarified, "Sir, I want to say she is the only girl I met and married. It's not like I took many trails." To this, Amitabh Bachchan wittily replied, "What times have come, everyone comes after taking trails."
The Final Stretch and a Tough Exit
At the Rs 3,00,000 question, Dr Pooja faced another challenge. The query asked about the prominent architect who designed the National Archives of India building in New Delhi, completed in 1926. She used her final lifeline, the 'Audience Poll', and chose the most voted Option C) Edwin Lutyens, advancing successfully.
However, the next question for Rs 5,00,000 proved to be her stopping point. It asked: "As of November 2025, which of these states does not have a Deputy Chief Minister?" The options were Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Lacking confidence, Dr Pooja decided to quit the game. Before leaving, she guessed Option A) Maharashtra, but the correct answer was Option D) Jharkhand.
Dr Pooja Malhotra walked away with a substantial prize of Rs 3,00,000, having showcased both knowledge and poise. Her episode was a blend of intellectual pursuit and heartfelt personal moments, embodying the spirit of KBC.
