Archive · 29 Sep 2026
KBC 18 Quiz Master Wins Rs 12.5 Lakh, Quits
Ajay Poonia, a quiz master from Panaji, appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
He earned his place on the show by winning a fast answering game.
Ajay answered many questions correctly and used several lifelines when he needed help.
He also answered nine questions in the Super Sandook round.
This gave him the chance to use a 50:50 lifeline later.
Ajay won Rs 12.5 lakh after answering another question correctly.
He was then asked about people who had died in space.
He decided not to risk his money and stopped playing.
The correct answer was Vladimir Komarov.
Panaji-based quiz master Ajay Poonia won Rs 12.5 lakh on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
He reached the hot seat by winning the India Challenger Week Jaldi 5 round.
Poonia used several lifelines, including Audience Poll, Sanket Soochak, MahaFlip and 50:50.
He quit after being asked who was not among the only three people to die in space.
The correct answer was Vladimir Komarov, who died when Soyuz 1 crashed during descent.
- Who
- Quiz master Ajay Poonia from Panaji, Goa, and host Amitabh Bachchan.
- What
- Ajay Poonia won Rs 12.5 lakh on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 and quit before attempting the Rs 25 lakh question.
- When
- The episode aired on September 28.
- Where
- On Kaun Banega Crorepati 18; Ajay is from Panaji, Goa.
- Why
- He chose to protect his Rs 12.5 lakh winnings rather than risk them on the next question.
- Contestant
- Ajay Poonia, a quiz master from Panaji, Goa
- Show
- Kaun Banega Crorepati 18
- Winnings
- Rs 12.5 lakh
- Entry route
- India Challenger Week’s Jaldi 5 round
- Lifelines used
- Audience Poll, Sanket Soochak, MahaFlip and 50:50
- Rs 25 lakh question
- Who was not among the only three people to ever die in space?
- Correct answer
- Vladimir Komarov