Middle-Class Dreams to Multi-Crore Reality: How a Chennai Man Won ₹2.31 Crore in the Emirates Draw

For decades, Sriram Rajagopalan lived a life of quiet sacrifice. Born into a modest middle-class family in Chennai, he spent years working in Saudi Arabia, sending money home and putting his own dreams on hold.

But on March 16, everything changed.

With a single random tap of numbers — eyes closed, stylus in hand — Rajagopalan entered the Emirates Draw MEGA7. Hours later, his phone rang. On the other end was a voice that would change his life forever.

“The moment I got your call, my world stopped. My hands shook. My heart beat so fast, I thought time itself had frozen,” he told the organisers.

A Jackpot Beyond Money

Rajagopalan’s winning ticket was worth an incredible ₹2.31 crore (Dh 100 million). But for him, the prize was more than just cash — it was freedom.

“No more sleepless nights filled with worry. No more sacrificing dreams to survive,” he said.

The 56-year-old sees the win as “a chance to build generational wealth”, ensuring his family will be secure for years to come. True to his values, he’s also pledged to donate part of his winnings to charity.

From ‘Sriram’ to ‘Dear Millionaire’

During the winning phone call, the team addressed him with a new title — ‘Dear Millionaire’ — a name he now proudly signs in letters.

“You haven’t just changed my life, you have given me a new one,” he wrote to the organisers.

Could You Be the Next Winner?

Sriram’s story is proof that life-changing wins happen when you least expect them. The Emirates Draw is open to players from around the world — and your ticket could be the next to get “that call.”