Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 12: For UAE-based businessman and Bollywood producer Rajan Lall, the number 79 has turned into a symbol of extraordinary luck. Just six days after celebrating his 79th birthday on February 8, Lall received the surprise of a lifetime — a phone call informing him that he had won $1 million (approximately Dh3.67 million) in the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw.
The draw was held at Dubai International Airport during Chinese New Year celebrations marking the Year of the Fire Horse. Lall struck gold with ticket number 3099 in Series 535, which he had purchased online on January 30 while travelling to Mumbai to reconnect with old friends.
Interestingly, Lall was in Saudi Arabia when he received the life-changing news. Describing the moment as surreal, he called it “the best 79th birthday gift ever,” attributing his win to divine blessings.
Known in the film industry as the “Dubbing King of India,” Rajan Lall has long been a prominent figure in Bollywood. He moved to the UAE in 1971 with just 90 dirhams in his pocket, determined to build a new life.
Over the decades, he successfully managed a garment trading business while nurturing his passion for cinema. He played a key role in producing and dubbing films that bridged South Indian cinema with Hindi-speaking audiences. His association with Bollywood heavyweights such as Anupam Kher, Shatrughan Sinha, and Shashi Ranjan reflects his deep roots in the industry.
Despite building a multi-million dirham business empire and residing in a sea-facing mansion on Palm Jumeirah, Lall remains grounded. He often recalls his early struggles — surviving on instant noodles and hitching rides to work — as defining moments of his journey.
Lall revealed that he had been purchasing one ticket every year for the past 25 years before finally hitting the jackpot. Calling it a blessing from Sai Baba, he said the win felt like destiny fulfilled.
Though financially secure, Lall admitted that winning such a prestigious prize still carries immense excitement. He has not yet decided how to utilise the prize money but said he is currently looking forward to watching the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan cricket clash.
The draw also produced other millionaires. Oliver, an Austrian national based in Portugal, won $1 million in Series 534.
In the Finest Surprise draw, several luxury prizes were awarded:
• Walid El-Murr, a Lebanese national, won a Mercedes Benz S500.
• David Duppa-Miller from the UK won a BMW F 900 GS motorbike.
• Rasheed Parambi Abdul Kader, an Indian national, won an Aprilia Tuono V4 110.
The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw remains one of the UAE’s most sought-after promotions, regularly awarding $1 million jackpots. The raffle continues to attract residents and travellers, including long-time participants who purchase tickets year after year in hopes of striking it lucky — just as Rajan Lall did after a 25-year wait.
Held at Dubai International Airport and often aligned with major celebrations, the draws generate significant public interest, blending festivity with life-changing fortune.