Latest news with #VenugopalMullacheri
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala man wins Rs 8.5 crore jackpot in Dubai Duty Free draw after 15 years of trying
KASARAGOD: Indian expat Venugopal Mullacheri, a Kerala native hailing from Kasaragod, has struck gold by winning the USD 1 million (around Rs 8.5 crore) Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw . Mullacheri had been trying his luck for 15 years and used to purchase the DDF Millennium Millionaire draw tickets during his travel home. The 52- year- old Ajman resident had been working as IT support specialist in UAE for the last 15 years. His winning ticket was purchased on April 23 at the Arrivals shop in Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 while returning from Kasaragod. Mullacheri, a father of two, told media that he was in disbelief when his name was announced during the live draw streamed on DDF's Facebook page on May 7. "I'm thrilled to finally be one of the many winners it has created. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free,' he said. "It felt like a massive burden on my head and shoulders just vanished," he added in a media interview.
NDTV
11-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Kerala Man Wins Rs 8.5 Crore Jackpot In Dubai, Calls It A "Lifesaver" After Betrayal
A 52-year-old man from Kerala, working in the UAE, has won the $1 million (around Rs 8.5 crore) jackpot in Dubai Duty Free's Millennium Millionaire draw - a windfall he describes as a "lifesaver" after facing betrayal and financial distress. Venugopal Mullacheri, an IT support specialist and resident of Ajman, had been trying his luck at the draw for over 15 years. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mullacheri said winning the jackpot felt like a "massive burden" being lifted off his shoulders. "The win marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one filled with hope and happiness," he said. Mullacheri bought the winning ticket at Dubai airport on April 23, after returning from a trip to India to visit family. His persistence paid off, making him the 500th winner of the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Recounting his struggles, Mullacheri revealed that he had been battling heavy debts, made worse by the betrayal of someone he had trusted. "I had recently built a house and was facing huge financial pressures. Being let down by someone close only worsened things. This jackpot came as a true saviour," he shared. We have our 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞! Congratulations to 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐠𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢, an Indian expat from Ajman, UAE, for winning 𝐔𝐒$𝟏 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 in our landmark Millennium Millionaire Series 500! Out of 5,000 participants from 123 nationalities - his… — Dubai Duty Free (@DubaiDutyFree) May 7, 2025 The father of two said he plans to first clear his debts and take a much-needed vacation with his family. "I haven't decided everything yet, but I will definitely take a long break and spend time with my loved ones. After that, I hope to return to the UAE, start a business, and eventually bring my family here too. The UAE is very close to my heart - I can't imagine living anywhere else," he added. Since the announcement, Mullacheri's inspiring story of perseverance and hope has gone viral, striking a chord with many across India and the Gulf region.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Kerala man says $1 million Dubai jackpot came as a lifesaver: ‘I was betrayed by someone'
For an Indian expat living in the UAE, winning the $1 million jackpot in Dubai Duty Free's (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw has come as a huge blessing. Venugopal Mullacheri, 52, says the winnings will help him pay off his huge debts. "The win marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one filled with hope and happiness," Mullacheri told Khaleej Times. Mullacheri, a 52-year-old father of two from Kerala, had been trying his luck at the lottery for over 15 years before he finally won the big prize, which will make him richer by $1 million ( ₹8.3 crore approximately). 'When they announced my name, I was shocked,' said Mullacheri, who works as an IT-support specialist in the UAE. 'It felt like a massive burden on my head and shoulders just vanished. I couldn't even respond to what I was seeing, and when they called me, I was dumbfounded.' A resident of Ajman, Mullacheri purchased the winning ticket on April 23 at the airport after visiting family in India. It turned him into the 500th winner of the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. In a conversation with Khaleej Times, the Kerala native said he had been struggling to pay off his extensive debts. He also said he had experienced financial difficulties after facing a betrayal from someone he trusted. 'I am in huge debt,' said Mullacheri. 'Now, I must say I 'was' in huge debt.' 'I had recently built a house and was also betrayed by someone I trusted, which caused a major financial setback. This win truly came as a saviour,' he explained. The IT support specialist had been buying Millennium Millionaire tickets for 15 years. He now plans to spend the money on not just paying off his debts but also on a vacation. 'I haven't decided what to do with the money yet,' he said. 'But first, I'll take a long vacation and spend time with my family. Then I plan to return to the UAE and possibly start a business. This country is very close to my heart; I can't imagine living anywhere else. I also hope to bring my family here once things settle down.'
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian-origin man wins ₹8.3 crore in Dubai after trying for 15 years: ‘I couldn't even respond'
An Indian expat living in the UAE has struck it big by winning $1 million (approximately ₹8.3 crore) in Dubai Duty Free's (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw, marking his victory as the 500th in the promotion's history. Venugopal Mullacheri, a 52-year-old father of two from Kerala, had been trying his luck for over 15 years before finally landing the life-changing prize, reported the Gulf News. Mullacheri, who works in IT support in Ajman, was watching the live draw on Dubai Duty Free's Facebook page when he was announced as the winner. His ticket number 1163, purchased at the Terminal 2 Arrivals shop on April 23, made him the lucky winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 500. 'I'm delighted to become the 500th winner of the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire,' Mullacheri said after hearing the news. 'I'm thrilled to finally be one of the many winners it has created. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free.' Also read: 26-year-old woman drops out of PhD to chaperone dogs at weddings, earns ₹22,000 a day Expressing disbelief at winning, he said, "I couldn't even respond". Mullacheri's win is part of a long-standing tradition, with Indian nationals being the most frequent purchasers of tickets since the promotion began in 1999. His win also marks a special milestone in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire, as he is the 249th Indian national to win the $1 million prize. A post shared by Dubai Duty Free (@dubaidutyfree) The celebratory draw was held at Dubai International Airport's Concourse B, with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, attending the event. Alongside him were Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, and other senior officials from the company. 'This promotion has changed people's lives,' said Cidambi. 'Congratulations to Mr. Mullacheri, our 500th US$1 million winner, and to all of our many winners over the years.' Since its inception in 1999, the Millennium Millionaire draw has had a transformative impact on the lives of countless participants, with Mullacheri now among them. Also read: Michelle Obama shows off dance moves ahead of her podcast, internet echoes 'queen'
