- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In an extraordinary turn of events, Saravanan Venkatachalam, a 44-year-old engineer from Chennai living in Abu Dhabi, became the latest Big Ticket millionaire after winning a staggering Dh25 million (approximately Rs 60.4 crore) in Series 280 of the Abu Dhabi lottery. The winning entry, number 463221, was purchased on 30 October and drawn during the live event on 3 November.
The moment took an unexpected twist when Saravanan missed the initial calls from Big Ticket hosts Richard and Bouchra. “My phone was on Do Not Disturb. I missed the calls completely,” he said. When friends and family began calling to congratulate him, the reality finally sank in. “I just stood there, speechless. It was unbelievable.”
Five Years Of Persistence Pays Off
Originally from Chennai, Saravanan has lived in the UAE since 2019 and previously worked across Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. His journey with Big Ticket began five years ago when a colleague shared their own lottery experience. Over the years, he purchased tickets both individually and with friends, but this time a solo entry turned out to be his lucky one.
“I had secured the future of my children. The only thing on my mind is their education,” he said, referring to his two school-going children. Saravanan, like many expatriates, had faced financial pressures, including loans and debts. “Yes, all these are the reasons that make you come to the UAE,” he added, reflecting on the challenges before this life-changing win.
No Secret Formula, Just Luck
Asked if there was a strategy behind his win, he simply smiled. “There is no pattern. I just liked that number at the end of the month. That’s it,” he said, recalling the ‘Buy 1, get 1 free’ promotion under which he bought the ticket on 30 October.
For Saravanan, the Dh25 million (Rs 60 crore) prize is more than a windfall; it symbolises persistence, patience, and the unpredictable joys of life. From missed calls to securing his children’s future, this ordinary Monday transformed into an extraordinary memory that will stay with him forever.