Winning one crore in prize money is no mean feat and winning it sitting across veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan is well a dream come true for many in this country. Such is the story of Binita Jain who won 1Cr in season 10 of the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Binita is a single mother. Life changed forever for her and her two kids when her husband was abducted by terrorists and never came back.
Guwahati-based Binita is now a senior coordinator in a school. She talks to SheThePeople about being a single mother, on mental health, how life has changed after fame and popularity and shares some tips for KBC aspirants for the upcoming season.
Also Read:I Was Raised By A Single Mother, Here Is What I Learnt From Her
Tell us how life has changed in the time after winning Kaun Banega Crorepati. How have you used the prize money?
Life has taken an about-turn after winning KBC. I never imagined life would see a drastic change upon returning from KBC. I began to be recognized everywhere; there was a different kind of respect was there in everybodys eyes. I got the opportunity to join the Royal Global School, Guwahati as a senior coordinator. Life has been very generous to me after winning KBC.
As a single mother, my only aim is to see my children settle down well. My son is an orthodontist, I dreamt of making a clinic made for him with all the facilities, maximum part of the prize money is getting utilized in that.
You have been a single mother and there are a lot of prejudices associated with that status. With fame and popularity do you think there is a change in societys perception towards you?
In the society people do view single mothers or single women with a lot of prejudice, I too had faced a lot of it. But I stuck to my ground, as I knew I had to look after my children, so I had to look after myself and I had to be mentally fit. And to be mentally fit I had to keep myself occupied.
Also Read:UN Report: 13 Million Single Mothers Head Households In India
I do not know why the perception of society changes when they realize a lady is a single mother, she could be a divorcee, a widow or alone because of unfortunate circumstances. I have seen peoples attitude change towards me as if I have committed some mistake as if it was because of some fault of mine that I was in that position. It really pains, because in that moment when you need people to support you find them judging you.
When KBC happened there was a 360-degree change in peoples perception, I was the same, before going to KBC and after coming back.
I have seen peoples attitude change towards me as if I have committed some mistake as if it was because of some fault of mine that I was in that position.
How did you pick yourself after your tragedy?
When I was left all alone with my two kids, my children where the only source of strength and motivation for me, other than that there was nothing in my life that could push me. Looking at them, I realized that I have to be doubly responsible now. I have to be there for them every time, now they have only me to look up to and that is was what kept me going.
I knew if I had to look after them, I have to be away from depression. During the first one or two years (after the tragic loss of her husband), I would often feel I was depressed or there would be a feeling of hopelessness. It was very difficult to find someone around who would understand me, there were friends but everybody had limitations. I felt I was in a position where only my own help would get out of the situation. I realized it is when you help yourself that others also lend you a helping hand.
Also Read:International Day For Families: Celebrating The Diversity In Our Parivaars
I started a coaching institute so that I could also stay at home for my children and work. Gradually, I began to feel self-confident, I was feeling stronger as days passed by.
During the first one or two years (after the tragic loss of her husband), I would often feel I was depressed or there would be a feeling of hopelessness. It was very difficult to find someone around who would understand me, there were friends but everybody had limitations.
And when the time came, I was ready to send them outside (of Guwahati) for studies. When my son got through his BDS people would come and dissuade me from sending him away. But I was like he has to make his own life, and I readily send him outside for five years. And at that stage, I did my masters and my B.Ed too.
How have your children reacted to your success? What did you tell them about dealing with fame and popularity?
My children were very excited when I got selected for KBC, they helped me out in the preparations. They had seen me struggle, they had seen all the toil and turmoil I had gone through, in fact, they were the ones who tolerated me during my bad days. And when I won, said that you got what you deserved. And for me, that was more than the prize money I had got.
Regarding fame and popularity, I was very clear that when my bad days did not change me, I do not want the good days to bring any change in me either. I did always tell my children that never let fame and popularity get into your head. It is so important to remain grounded because in life you can never say you have achieved everything there is always more to achieve.
Tell us how you prepared for the contest. Your tips for aspirants.
I was a contestant in season 10, that was a time when you had to send SMS through a particular provider to get selected. Now there are so many platforms through which you can apply. This year the entire selection procedure is online. Even though I had to travel to Kolkata for an audition, this year the auditions are also going to happen online.
You should be very alert and agile when the questions are put out immediately answer them and then leave it upon luck. People get selected through a randomizer and there are a huge number of correct entries. So, anyone has a probability of being chosen. And after you are shortlisted keep your phone near you.
Also Read:Short Film Everything Is Fine Is About A Mothers Wish To Break Free
As a nation, we are crazy about Bollywood. And most people in India will be in awe of sharing screen space with Mr Amitabh Bachchan. How did you overcome the nervousness?
I was so nervous, the only thing on my mind when I was playing fastest finger first was that I want to see him. The moment Mr Amitabh Bachchan entered my hands became numb. But then I gathered my senses thinking I am here for achieving something, it has been a long way, I have been through various selection processes and cannot let it go now.
But when I reached the hotseat I again got nervous, but Mr Bachchan really makes an effort in making the participant feel comfortable.
How important is financial independence for women?
Financial independence allows women to grow within, that sense of independence and security which women can have because of financial independence makes them grow as a person. In this part of the world, we are accustomed to seeing womenfolk dependent on the menfolk for money. Your own hard-earned money instils confidence in you that is something different, you cannot get that confidence by being a multi-millionaires wife.
What will you tell young women who are beginning their professional careers on the importance of taking independent financial decisions?
Nowadays, girls are very smart, they want to stand on their feet. My daughter always wanted to earn her own money. And from the day she started earning, I have seen her confidence grow. It has helped her to be more confident. It is also important for young girls to make sensible financial decisions, often we end up in jobs because of money and they dont give us satisfaction or we are working very hard but not getting financially rewarded. Also, girls need to think about whatever is being done with their money is being done wisely.
Go here to read the rest:
- Weaving Hope and Financial Independence: Fatima's Path to Empowerment - United Nations Development Programme - May 13th, 2024 [May 13th, 2024]
- Mother's Day 2024: Top 6 ideas to empower your mother with financial independence | Mint - Mint - May 13th, 2024 [May 13th, 2024]
- The Simple Path to Wealth - New Trader U - May 13th, 2024 [May 13th, 2024]
- Bitcoin Halving: A History of Economics Shift & Financial Independence - Crypto Times - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Your Excuses Will Never Help You Build Wealth - DataDrivenInvestor - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Financial expert comments on Brits methods of obtaining financial freedom - IFA Magazine - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Women reveal why they chose financial security over love - Yahoo News UK - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- This 48-year-old dad retired early to move to Panama with his family: 'This has been the greatest thing' - Fortune - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- More than just housewives: Ministry encourages women to embrace leadership, financial independence - Sinar Daily - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Gender equality through Financial Independence (CSW68 Side Event). - Welcome to the United Nations - March 16th, 2024 [March 16th, 2024]
- Journal Club 03-15-24 - Passive Income MD - March 16th, 2024 [March 16th, 2024]
- How much money Americans need to earn to be 'financially independent' - CNBC - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- What is Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE)? - Bankrate.com - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- HUYNH: The Student Council endowment could ensure financial independence - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- Crypto Sundae The Dog $SUNDAE: Your Path to Financial Independence - Medium - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- Financial Independence through Crypto: Top 3 Coins That Could Transform Your Portfolio in 2024 - CryptoDaily - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- Salary Success: Is $94000 the Magic Number for Financial Freedom? - Study Finds - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- Early Retirement Is Just A Big Lie - Seeking Alpha - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- 4 Strategies to Achieve Financial Independence in 2024 - Business Insider - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 3 Legged Stool of Retirement | investing.com - Investing.com Canada - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- What is Coast FIRE? Should you pursue this instead of vanilla financial independence? | Mint - Mint - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Book Recommendations on Money, Investing, and Financial Independence - Business Insider - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- How 12 years of tracking investments has been a life-changer - freefincal on YouTube - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Understanding the Path to Financial Independence in Retirement - TickerTV News - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Females On FIRE: 3 Diverse Women Share Their Journey To ... - Bankrate.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- WA Parents Lead in Funding Adult Kids, Survey Shows - Source ONE News - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Saving, Investing, and Running Marathons: My 25-year Journey to ... - freefincal on YouTube - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- The Clash Against The Magnificent Seven - Community Advocate - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- What is the perfect age to retire? Here are the 5 crucial questions you need to answer now - AOL - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Italy Searches for Museum Leaders, With Nationalism in the Air - The New York Times - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- In Africa, Gender Equity in Construction Shapes Tomorrow's Workforce - Autodesk Redshift - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- How Lifestyle Inflation Is Keeping You In The Rat Race (Avoid To ... - New Trader U - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Small business ideas to start at university - Arizona Big Media - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Top 5 Investment Ideas for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide - Goodreturns - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- How Huawei Is Helping China Build Up Its Semiconductor ... - Bloomberg - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Patient experiences of being advised by a healthcare professional to ... - BioMed Central - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- When You Should Consider Buying Even More Stocks | White Coat ... - The White Coat Investor - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Sanaipei Tande's insights on marriage, polygamy and financial ... - Nairobi News - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Real jobs for eager young people: The Heckscher Foundation ... - New York Daily News - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- All about the Benjamins: Researchers decipher the secrets of ... - ND Newswire - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- How To Become Rich With The Power Of Compounding - New Trader U - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Women Deliver 2023 | Together We All Lead - Procter & Gamble - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Acclaimed Temple psychologist's new book explores parenting adult ... - Temple University News - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Where Is Kate Chastain From 'Below Deck' Now? - We Got This Covered - July 19th, 2023 [July 19th, 2023]
- Programs that help NYC migrants achieve financial independence ... - New York Daily News - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- ChatGPT gives 10 reasons why you should buy Bitcoin - Finbold - Finance in Bold - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- Scottish independence reset undermined by confusion over SNP ... - Financial Times - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- It's Never Too Late to Become a Millionaire - New Trader U - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- Milford Foundation Partners With MoneyTime To Improve Financial ... - Scoop - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- Bitcoin ETFs: What Are the Potential Implications for Crypto? - Captain Altcoin - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- De-dollarization will be a priority talk at BRICS meeting Cryptopolitan - Cryptopolitan - June 26th, 2023 [June 26th, 2023]
- Gen Z viewers are more inclined towards 'Financial Independence Retire Early' concept: Rachana Ranade - Times of India - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- FIRE Movement: What It Is And How It Works - NerdWallet - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- FIRE: Financial Independence, Retire Early Forbes Advisor - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas' idea of financial independence is inspirational and how! - Zoom TV - January 27th, 2023 [January 27th, 2023]
- Independence Realty Trust, Inc.'s (NYSE:IRT) Stock Has Seen Strong Momentum: Does That Call For Deeper Study Of Its Financial Prospects? - Simply Wall... - January 27th, 2023 [January 27th, 2023]
- What Is Financial Independence? Forbes Advisor UK - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- The FIRE Movement: Financial Independence; Retire Early | Britannica Money - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Home | NextAdvisor with TIME - January 6th, 2023 [January 6th, 2023]
- Why Financial Independence with Children is Challenging. - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- 8 Levels Of Financial Freedom - Forbes - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. Reports Unaudited Financial ... - November 25th, 2022 [November 25th, 2022]
- How Much Money You Need to Retire Early in All 50 States - NextAdvisor - November 25th, 2022 [November 25th, 2022]
- Funding | The Official Website of The Duke & Duchess of Sussex - October 23rd, 2022 [October 23rd, 2022]
- What the Future Voices of Personal Finance All Have in Common - NextAdvisor - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- How this 41-year-old went from 'living on credit cards' to retiring early with $3 million in California - CNBC - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Insights on What Really Matters to Participants - PLANADVISER - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- On the road to financial independence - The News International - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Womens center announces expansion to address domestic violence throughout the region - Houston Public Media - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- PSLF Waiver Application Deadline - The White Coat Investor - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Fairfax Financial and Independence Pet Group Receive All Regulatory Approvals To Complete Sale of Global Pet Insurance Operations - GlobeNewswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Sustainable Bitcoin Miner CleanSpark Welcomes Investors and Analysts to its Mining Campuses in Atlanta - GuruFocus.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Deep Well Project to host open house for new financial stability initiative - WSAV-TV - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- IIM Grad Quits Job to Help Over 1000 Women in Bihar Scale Their Small Businesses - The Better India - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Harry's Memoir Will Be 'Quite Revealing' 'If We Ever See It'Jeffrey Archer - Newsweek - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Where Harold Weilbrenner and Janice Weiner stand on issues in the Senate District 45 race - Iowa City Press-Citizen - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Moliy Is Swimming Against the Tide of Mainstream Afropopand Succeeding - OkayAfrica - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- From Chaos to Success: The Mike Koshatko Story - Digital Journal - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- SEC Warns Auditors to Take Their Role and Independence Seriously - JD Supra - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Suze Orman Hates the FIRE Movement. Here's Why - The Motley Fool - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]