The 9th season of India’s longest-running singing reality TV show for kids, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, has declared the winner, and she is none other than Sikkim’s very own, Jetshen Dohna Lama. Jetshen wins a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
9-year-old Jetshen Dohna Lama ignited the stage on Sunday’s Blockbuster Grand Finale with her distinctive voice and gestures, dressed in rock star garb. Her astounding performances of two songs—”Roop Tera Mastana” from the movie “Aradhana,” originally performed by Kishore Kumar, and “Batdmeez Dil” from the movie “Yeh Jawani Yeh Diwani”—were so impressive that special guest Jackie Shroff bowed respectfully before Jetshen, and the judges picked her up and hugged her. Jackie Shroff endorsed Jetshen in his remarks regarding the performance.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, posted on his social media handle before the grand finale, “As we move closer to the grand finale of the Sare Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, I extend my best wishes to our prodigy, Miss Jetshen Dohna Lama.” “Throughout the competition, we have witnessed her grow as a singer and performer, and she is one step closer to achieving her goal. I wish her continued success in her pursuits and firmly believe she will attain success in her endeavours.”
The Pakyong District of Sikkim is home to Jetshen’s parents, Roshan Lama and Unis Hamal. Jetshen, a young prodigy, was first trained by her music teacher, Nagen Chhetri, CEO of the Pakyong Music Institute. She also received additional training at the Remanti Sangeetalaya Academy in Gangtok, under the direction of teacher and CEO Reemanti Rai. She is a student at El Bethel Academy in Pakyong.
Season 9 of L’il Champs premiered on October 15, 2022, and lasted 99 days with 28 episodes (+29 Blockbuster Grand Finale). There were 13 candidates at the start of the show. With renowned celebrity judges Shankar Mahadevan, Neeti Mohan, and Anu Malik, contestants gave it their all to shine. Bharti Singh, a well-known comedian and TV personality, hosted the show throughout.
