UAE-based Indian businessman and Bollywood producer Rajan Lall has won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, calling it “the best 79th birthday gift ever.” Lall received the life-changing news just six days after celebrating his 79th birthday on February 8.
The draw took place at Dubai International Airport during celebrations marking the Chinese New Year, themed this year as the Year of the Fire Horse. Lall won with ticket number 3099 in Series 535, which he had purchased online on January 30 while travelling to Mumbai to reconnect with old friends. At the time of the announcement, he was in Saudi Arabia, making the surprise even more dramatic.
A Win Years In The Making
Lall has been participating in the Dubai Duty Free raffle for 25 years, buying one ticket annually before finally hitting the jackpot. The $1 million prize, approximately Dh 3.67 million, came after decades of persistence.
Speaking to Gulf News, he attributed his win to divine timing and described it as a blessing from Sai Baba. Despite his established success, Lall admitted that winning such a large prize still feels extraordinary. He has not yet decided how he will use the money but said he is looking forward to watching the upcoming India vs Pakistan cricket match.
From Humble Beginnings To Business Success
Often referred to as the “Dubbing King of India,” Lall has had a long association with the Indian film industry. He moved to the UAE in 1971 with just 90 dirhams in his pocket and gradually built a successful garment trading business while continuing his involvement in cinema. Over the years, he produced and dubbed films that helped bridge South Indian cinema and Hindi-speaking audiences.
His social circle includes prominent names from Bollywood such as Anupam Kher, Shatrughan Sinha, and Shashi Ranjan. Today, he resides in a sea-facing mansion on Palm Jumeirah but remains connected to the community that supported him during his early days in the UAE.
Other Winners In The Draw
Lall was not the only lucky participant. An Austrian national based in Portugal, Oliver, won $1 million in Series 534. The Finest Surprise draw also awarded luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz S500, a BMW F 900 GS motorbike, and an Aprilia Tuono V4 110.
The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion remains one of the most popular raffles in the UAE, frequently attracting participants from across the globe. Lall’s win adds to a growing list of Indian expatriates who have struck it lucky through the long-running promotion.
For Lall, however, the timing made it especially memorable. Turning 79 and becoming a millionaire within days is a combination he says he will never forget.
