In a heartwarming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, pharmacist Pankajini Dash from Cuttack, Odisha, made her mark on the iconic hot seat. Her entry to the stage wasn’t just a moment of triumph; it was the culmination of 24 years of persistence and determination. “It took me 24 years from home to reach this hot seat,” she said, reflecting the depth of her struggles and dreams.
Host Amitabh Bachchan, intrigued by her name, began the conversation with its meaning. She shared that her grandfather gave her the name, Pankajini, which means lotus, a name that suits her resilience and strength. Known for her approachable demeanor, Pankajini runs a small pharmacy, fondly called ‘Nani ki Dawaai ki Dukaan’. It’s a place where locals trust her for not just medicines but also heartfelt advice.
Her journey to this point has been anything but easy. Through years of challenges, one constant pillar of support has been her son. His unwavering belief in her abilities kept her going during times of despair. “For all those who tried to demotivate you, today you’ve shown them what you’re capable of,” he told her proudly, his words echoing the pride of millions watching at home.
Even as she faced setbacks, her son’s motivating words became her mantra: “Good things take time.” His encouragement, coupled with her own grit, brought her to the KBC stage, where she finally began living her long-held dream.
The episode was also a peek into her family’s love for cinema. Pankajini shared that her father was an ardent fan of Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt, even naming her younger brother after the latter. Big B also praised Gavaskar for his commentary. He remarked usually commentators praise the players for their own country and present a biased opinion. But Indian players like Sunil Gavaskar praises players who deserves it no matter which country he is from.
As the game progressed, Amitabh Bachchan couldn’t help but admire her earrings. “The jhumkas you are wearing are beautiful,” he commented. Her response revealed a deeper connection. The earrings, she said, were over a century old, passed down from her grandmother to her mother and then to her. “Her blessings are in these earrings,” she shared, her words carrying the weight of generations of love and support.
Pankajini’s story of becoming a pharmacist added another layer of inspiration. She had once dreamed of becoming a doctor but had to abandon her studies after diploma in Pharmacy due to her father’s untimely death. Later, when her husband opened a shop, she decided to contribute. At 30, she enrolled in college to earn her license, overcoming significant obstacles. Her experience mirrored the comedy-drama Munnabhai MBBS, where her classmates mistook her for a professor.
Her remarkable grit and intelligence were evident throughout the game. She navigated tough questions, eventually winning the Super Sawaal and securing the Dugnaastra lifeline. Her journey on KBC continued until the ₹25,00,000 mark, earning her a standing ovation from the audience and Amitabh Bachchan himself.
Pankajini Dash’s story is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. From a small-town pharmacist to the national spotlight, she exemplifies the power of determination, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. Her journey will continue to inspire countless viewers long after the episode fades from the screen.