Dh25 million jackpot for Indian man in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi
Qatar-based Indian expat drives home new Range Rover Velar
ABU DHABI: A life-changing moment unfolded during the Big Ticket Series 274 draw in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as Thajudeen Aliyar Kunju, an Indian resident of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, emerged as the lucky winner of the Dh25 million grand prize.
Kunju secured his winning ticket (No. 306638) on April 18. Despite repeated attempts, show hosts Richard and Bouchra were unable to connect with him via either of his listed numbers. A brief call that did connect was disconnected almost instantly, leaving the hosts to promise continued efforts to deliver the news.
More lucky winners
Kunju’s win adds to a night of triumph for several Indian nationals. Abdul Mannan, Aquline Verita, Meena Koshy, and Saifuddin Koonari were selected through the Big Win Contest and attended the live draw, each walking away with a cash prize. Throughout April, Big Ticket also held weekly e-draws, awarding Dh150,000 each to five winners as part of its promotional giveaways.
Dream car delight
Meanwhile, in a separate Big Ticket Dream Car promotion, Venkata Giribabu Vulla, an Indian expat living in Qatar, won a brand-new Range Rover Velar. A 50-year-old graphics officer originally from Andhra Pradesh, Vulla has been working in Qatar for the past 18 years and has participated in Big Ticket draws for six years.
“I’m honestly at a loss for words,” he said. “All I can think about now is getting home quickly to share this incredible moment with my family.”
His winning ticket number was 020933. With plans to buy a new vehicle already in mind, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Big Ticket is now gearing up for its May raffle, with a Dh20 million prize up for grabs in the next draw scheduled for June 3.