Sony Entertainment Television's popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 recently showcased the inspiring story of Vishal Premchand Rathod, a contestant who has been preparing for competitive examinations while working alongside his father due to financial difficulties. His journey on the hot seat became emotional as he spoke about his family's struggles and the support he received from his friends.

Vishal impressed host Amitabh Bachchan with his knowledge and steadily climbed the prize ladder. He eventually reached the ₹25 lakh mark. However, the next question proved too difficult, leaving him with a major decision: risk his winnings for ₹50 lakh or walk away with the amount he had already secured.

The ₹50 lakh question was about Nanga Parbat

After Vishal reached ₹25 lakh, Amitabh Bachchan presented the 14th question for ₹50 lakh. With all his lifelines exhausted, Vishal knew that an incorrect answer could significantly reduce his winnings.

The question asked:

Who became the first person to reach the summit of Nanga Parbat in 1953, when his companions stopped short of the peak and he completed the climb alone?

Options:

• A. Willy Merkel
• B. Karl M. Herrligkoffer
• C. Hermann Buhl
• D. Reinhold Messner

The question was particularly challenging because it involved the history of Himalayan mountaineering.

Vishal chose to quit rather than gamble

Vishal wasn't confident enough to select an answer. Since he had already secured ₹25 lakh and had no lifelines remaining, he decided not to take the risk.

His decision proved financially sensible. He walked away from the show with ₹25 lakh, rather than risking a major reduction in his winnings.

Amitabh Bachchan appreciated Vishal's decision and revealed the correct answer after the game.

The correct answer is Hermann Buhl

The correct answer was:

C. Hermann Buhl

Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl became the first person to successfully summit Nanga Parbat in 1953. His ascent is considered one of the landmark achievements in the history of Himalayan mountaineering.

So, although Vishal didn't win the additional ₹50 lakh, he made the right call by refusing to gamble with the ₹25 lakh he had already secured.

Vishal's story moved everyone

Vishal's achievement became even more meaningful after he explained his financial struggles. He had been preparing for competitive examinations for several years but did not always have enough money for books, application forms and travel.

Because of these difficulties, he worked with his father. Speaking about watching his father work, Vishal became emotional and told Amitabh Bachchan that it was difficult for a grown-up son to watch his parents work, but circumstances had forced him to do so.

His friends also supported him during difficult periods, including helping him reach a hospital when he became seriously ill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What will Vishal do with the ₹25 lakh?

Vishal said the prize money would allow him to improve his family's circumstances. Among his plans are repairing his grandfather's old house, supporting his sisters' education and continuing his preparation for competitive examinations.

For Vishal, the ₹25 lakh wasn't simply prize money. It represented an opportunity to reduce some of his family's financial burden and continue pursuing his ambitions.