Real Indian 'slumdog' scoops jackpot

A poor government clerk from eastern India has become the first person to win the jackpot on the Indian version of Who Wants …

A poor government clerk from eastern India has become the first person to win the jackpot on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Sushil Kumar earned €86 a month working in a government office in the state of Bihar before he gave all the right answers on the popular TV show.

He won 50 million rupees (€719,400).

The 2008 Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire was about a man from a poor background who hits the jackpot on the show, which is hugely popular in India.

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Mr Kumar told show host and Indian movie hero Amitabh Bachchan that he was thrilled he could now afford to pay for a preparatory course so he can take India’s civil service exam.

He said he also planned to use some of his winnings to build a library in his home town.

He also wants to buy a home for his wife and give his brothers money so they can set up small businesses. Mr Kumar’s episode was recorded on Tuesday night and will be broadcast next week.