Indian Expat Wins Dh20 Million In Big Ticket Weeks After Baby's Birth Yet To See Child

2026-02-04 02:50:14

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) 'I think my daughter came into this world with luck,' said the new father, as he processes the life-changing win

PUBLISHED: Wed 4 Feb 2026, 3:00 PM

By:
SM Ayaz Zakir

Just weeks after becoming a father, an Indian expat in Oman received a phone call that changed his life forever.

Shantanu Shettigar, 34, had just welcomed his first child, a baby girl born on December 27. And weeks after the good news, he received another, where he won the Dh20 million Big Ticket jackpot.“The timing feels unreal,” said Shantanu.

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“I feel my daughter brought me luck,” Shantanu told Khaleej Times.“I did not expect this at all.”

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What makes the moment even more emotional is that Shantanu has not yet seen his daughter in person.

“She was born while I was in Oman. I haven't met her yet. I will be travelling soon for her naming ceremony. That is what I am looking forward to the most.”

Missed calls, then a shock

The life-changing news came on a normal workday. Shantanu, who is from Udupi in Karnataka, works as a shop in-charge in Muscat, where he has lived for the past eight years. He was busy at work and did not watch the Big Ticket draw live.

When the hosts of the show called him, he missed the first two calls.“I was at work and didn't realise,” he said.“The third time they called, I picked up.”

That was when he heard the words he never expected to hear.“I was very surprised. I didn't think it was real at first.”

Years of hope

Shantanu has been participating in Big Ticket for about five years, though he was not regular. But for the last three years, he has not missed a single draw.

He always bought the ticket with Sunil, who also works in Muscat and is from the same place as Shantanu.“There were only two of us. We always shared the ticket.”

He knows many people who have been trying their luck for much longer.“So many people try for 10 or 15 years, but they haven't won yet. I feel very fortunate.”

No big plans yet

Despite the massive win, Shantanu said life has not suddenly changed.“For now, I am continuing with my job. It is very early to plan anything.”

He wants to take time before making any decisions about the money.“I need to sit, think, and plan properly,” he said.

Next month, Shantanu will travel to Abu Dhabi for the first time to complete the formalities. After that, his focus is on family. He plans to bring his wife and newborn daughter to Muscat so they can live together.“Family is the most important thing for me now,” he said.

'Double blessing'

Married for three years, Shantanu sais that the last few weeks have been filled with emotions - first the joy of becoming a father, and then the shock of winning Dh20 million.“Everything happened so fast,” he said.

For now, the new father is still trying to process it all.“I think my daughter came into this world with luck,” he said.“For me, that is the biggest blessing.”