Collector of ‘786’ notes committed to his passion

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 16

Remember Billa number 786 in film Deewar starring mega star AmitabhBachchan? The number 786 also made an appearance in his film Coolie. But the Big B is not alone in his fetish for the number 786. Saurabh Sood, a city resident, also shares the passion, but for currency. It took Sood almost six years to collect the currency notes of serial numbers ending with 786. Now, it is time to return the collected “treasure”, which has come as a shock to him.

Saurabh would have never thought that his favourite currency notes collected in his piggy bank with so much dedication had to be returned to banks. However, he is very positive. He feels: “Never mind, it happens. Now, I have started collecting new currency notes with serial number ending with 786. Though it is not easy to part with the treasurer, which includes notes of Rs 500 and 1,000 denomination, we will accept the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Saurabh has such currency notes worth about Rs 2 lakh. “I have spoken to the bank authorities. Now, I will start depositing them with a bank,” he said.

Dealing in the sale and purchase of cars, Sood said, he was always fascinated by notes of serial numbers ending with 786 as he considered it brings “good luck”. Whenever he got payments by customers, he would make efforts to find such notes for collection. He had a piggy bank to collect his “good luck” notes.

A few appreciated the hobby of Sood while many others felt this was a waste of time. “But I was committed and continued with my passion. I collected “786” notes worth more than Rs 2 lakh. And now, it is time to return them back. It is painful but I have not lost hope. I will start collecting such notes again,” he said.