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KBC winner now takes to hide n' seek game

Kanchana Suggu in Bombay

Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Ghatkopar, north Bombay, is easily one of the busiest roads in the city. Tucked among the several middle and lower middle class homes here is the Indradeep Co-operative Housing Society.

Like the rest of Ghatkopar, this housing society is dominated by middle-class Gujaratis. A Navratri pandal, children playing in the compound, a group of women chatting... usual occurrences on an ordinary day.

But Friday is different. Very different. A large group of photographers and journalists have swooped down on the society.

Their mission?

One picture, or at least a quote from the newly crowned star of the society.

Harshavardhan Nawathe, single and 27, has just won the most sought after billing in the country since Kaun Banega Crorepati appeared on air -- he is the show's first crorepati.

The episode that brought Nawathe's jackpot was shot on Thursday, September 28. Sitting in the 'hot seat', he successfully answered all 15 questions posed by superstar host Amitabh Bachchan. A feat that many contestants have come close to accomplishing, but failed since KBC first appeared on Star Plus on July 3.

At the Nawathes's modest one bedroom flat, the phone has just not stopped ringing. Although there are strict instructions from Star Plus to remain tight-lipped about his success, the news has spread like wildfire -- friends, relatives, acquaintances, the media are all keen to find out more about this great victory.

His mother, who has just undergone a knee operation that disallows her to walk properly, is exhausted after answering phone calls throughout the day. "I have been asked not to say a word, but people have come to know about it. Harshavardhan had called a friend during the show as part of his phone-a-friend lifeline and they also called to ask what happened. Obviously, people will ask," she said.

When exactly did he start dialing the KBC hotline? "I have no idea. He used to study in the nights, maybe at that time he called," says his mother.

Any further KBC-related questions and Mrs Nawathe is quick to reply: "Look, I have already made some mistakes since morning. I don't want to do anything wrong. My son has got this with great effort. I don't want to spoil it for him."

Her repeated requests to the photographers are sadly ignored, who shoot her pictures without pause.

The Nawathes's only child is currently at a friend's home in order to avoid the media. Mr Nawathe, an ex-CBI officer too, has gone out. Harshavardhan did not return home on Friday night, fearing prowling photographers and journalists, who patiently awaited his arrival for hours.

"It is great that he has won this money, but he still has to make a career for himself. He has to continue studying," says his mother. Harshavardhan is presently studying for the Indian Administrative Service entrance examination.

Some of his neighbours do not remember his face despite the family living there for the past 13 years, but others said the boy is very quiet.

"He never mingled much with others in the society. He only says hello," says a neighbour. "He is always studying," quips another.

The Nawathes have a reputation for being a down to earth couple. Mr Nawathe is known to have been a very honest and hardworking CBI officer. "That is why he is living in this society," adds a neighbour pointing out to their humble home.

As we walk out of the housing society, we hear some members discuss a felicitation ceremony to honour Harshavardhan Nawathe.

Hope the crorepati surfaces by then!

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