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'I was in huge debt': Dubai's $1 million winner says jackpot is a lifesaver after betrayal
Mullacheri has been buying tickets for over a decade, two to three times a year, whenever he travels between India and UAE
- PUBLISHED: Wed 7 May 2025, 6:37 PM
For Venugopal Mullacheri, a 52-year-old Indian expat from Kasargod, Kerala, winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw was more than just good fortune; it was a life-saving moment.
"The win marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one filled with hope and happiness," said Mullacheri.
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The longtime Ajman resident, who has been working as an IT-support specialist since moving to the UAE in 2008, became the 500th winner of the Series 500 promotion. He purchased the lucky ticket (No 1163) on April 23 at the Terminal 2 Arrivals shop at Dubai International Airport after returning from a trip to India. "I was returning from India after spending time with my family. I purchased the ticket while I was at the airport," said Mullacheri.
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"When they announced my name, I was shocked," said Mullacheri as he saw the draw live on social media. "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."
Behind the emotional reaction was a struggle few knew about. "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."
Mullacheri, a father of two, has been a UAE resident for the past 16 years. His daughter, who is 18 years old, has just been admitted for a nursing course in Mangalore, while his 12-year-old son and wife remain in Kasargod.
A loyal participant of the Millennium Millionaire draw, Mullacheri has been buying tickets for over a decade, two to three times a year, whenever he travels between India and the UAE.
"I never expected to win, but I kept trying. And now, after all these years, it's finally happened."
He is the 249th Indian national to win $1 million in the promotion since its inception in 1999.
"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."
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.