India Post News Service

CHICAGO: There are more shows about how to make money, not by Get Rich Quick hoaxes but by exercising one's intellect, memory power and quick-wit, as well as artistic skills in dancing and singing than any other single category of TV shows now than ever before. Indian Americans, young and old alike, are seen participating in these programs very often now.Vivek Bavda is that kind of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" fan.

He made it all the way to the top, but came up short. The adventure started in summer 2007 when Bavda learned the show would be holding auditions in the Chicago area."It was a Friday and there was a line of people there and we had to take a written test. Then we got a one-minute on-screen interview," Bavda explained. The following Monday, he learned he'd be a contestant for a September taping of the show in New York City. Bavda traveled to New York with his mother, Bharti, who was his on-air companion for the show. Bavda's appearance on the show aired January 15, so he had to keep word of his winnings a secret until the show aired, or he'd lose his prize, he said.

On the $4,000 question: "A downward-facing dog is a common type of what?" Bavda used the audience vote of "yoga position" for the correct answer, which allowed him to advance.On the $8,000 question: "Which of these movie actors shares two of his names with a famous heavy-metal drummer?" Bavda used the "50-50" option leaving him two answers-Tommy Lee Jones (A) or Billy Dee Williams (B).

Bavda chose B, which was not the reference he needed.Tommy Lee is the name of the drummer in Motley Crew.Bavda walked away with $1,000 in winnings and memories for a lifetime. He says, "It was a great time; very energetic and very intense. They treated us beautifully. I'd say overall it was riveting."