Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Nov 4: In a twist of fate that has stunned the expatriate community, a 44-year-old Indian engineer from Chennai, working in Abu Dhabi, has become an overnight multi-millionaire after winning the Dh25 million Big Ticket jackpot — despite missing the life-changing call announcing his victory.
The lucky winner, Saravanan Venkatachalam, had purchased ticket number 463221 on October 30, and his entry was drawn during the live Big-Ticket Series 280 event held on November 3.
According to organisers, hosts Richard and Bouchra repeatedly tried to contact Saravanan live on air, but their calls went unanswered as his phone was on Do Not Disturb mode during work hours. “Come on, Saravanan, please pick up the call,” the hosts were heard urging, as the audience watched in suspense.
It was only later that friends and relatives managed to reach him, delivering the stunning news. “I was completely blank when I heard it,” Saravanan said, overwhelmed with emotion. “This is beyond imagination. I am grateful and thankful for this incredible blessing.”
The engineer, who has been participating in the draw for the past five years, credited a colleague — himself a former winner — for introducing him to Big Ticket. “If you can’t buy one alone, join with friends,” he advised. “It’s all about sharing hope.”
Saravanan said he will discuss plans for the prize with his family, setting aside a portion for his child’s education and making careful decisions for the future.
While Saravanan took home the top prize, several others also found fortune in the draw.
• Lazar Joseph from Sharjah bagged Dh110,000 in the Big Win category, pledging to use the amount for his daughter’s education and share the rest with 14 co-ticket holders.
• Thiyagarajan Periyaswami, a decade-long Abu Dhabi resident, won Dh130,000 and plans to purchase a new car.
• Mohammed Elias from Al Ain secured Dh150,000, while Ijas Yunus will share his prize among friends and use his portion to buy gifts for his wife and child.
In the Dream Car Draw, a Bangladeshi expatriate from Al Ain drove away with a brand-new Nissan Patrol.
Big Ticket organisers announced a series of additional rewards this month. Customers purchasing tickets between November 1 and 21 will be entered into an E-draw that selects 30 winners for a Race and Luxury Yacht Experience, along with Dh10,000 in cash and a fully paid trip to the Yas Marina race weekend in December.
The next grand draw, offering another Dh25 million jackpot, will be held on December 3, alongside ten consolation prizes worth Dh100,000 each.
Established in 1992 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Big Ticket remains one of the Gulf’s most iconic raffles, known for turning dreams into reality.
For Saravanan Venkatachalam, this incredible windfall is not just about wealth but about faith, patience, and hope — a reminder that sometimes, destiny calls even when you miss the phone.