Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong erupted in wild celebrations after internationally acclaimed choral group, the Shillong Chamber Choir Saturday won the talent reality show ‘India’s Got Talent Khoj 2’ and bagged Rs.50 lakhs in prize money. They also got a Kawasaki 250cc Ninja bike.
“Ka jingjop! ka jingjop! (We won! We Won!) “chanted jubiliant Shillongites along the main thoroughfares in this mountainous state capital also dubbed as the “India’s Rock Capital.”
It won the title after defeating Teji Toko, a drummer from Arunachal Pradesh who came second and Bir Khalsa, a Sikh Martial Arts Group from Punjab came third.
The finale, aired on Colors, consisted of nine acts including Fictitious Dance Group from Mumbai, Harihar Das - the popping and locking professional from Orissa, Sonjoy Mondol group from Kolkata, Manas Sahoo and Group - sand artists from Orissa, Diwakar and Sonia - the dancing twosome from Mumbai and a rock band from Kolkata - Underground Authority.
The show, which went on air about three months ago, was judged by actresses Kirron Kher and Sonali Bendre along with director Sajid Khan.
Congratulating the victorious choral group, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, “It is a big achievement for Meghalaya. We have created history and this achievement has shown to the world of our potential.” Sangma, who attended the grand finale of the reality show ‘India’s Got Talent– Khoj 2’ in Mumbai to cheer for the Shillong Chamber Choir said that the youth from Meghalaya have enormous talent and “we just need opportunities or platforms to reveal such talent.”
Conrad K Sangma, the Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, said “They (Shillong Chamber Choir) truely deserved to win and they have made every Meghalayan proud.”
Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, the largest circulated daily in Meghalaya, said “They have shown they are not only talented but versatile. They are a pride of India and have shown the country something new.”
The Shillong Chamber Choir created a history for India’s first gold at World Choir Olympics, claiming three of the medals at the sixth edition of the event at Shaoxing in China on July.
The Shillong Chamber Choir was formed in 2001 by a group of singers who came together to produce a variety of music.
The choir is mentored by its pianist, Neil Nongkynrih and the singers include Ibarisha, Donna, Jessica, Patricia Doren Kevi, Sandon, Daman, Riewbankit, Johanan, Kynsai, Ryan and Banlam.
The Shillong Chamber Choir says that the victory has introduced them to popular Hindi music and they are now looking forward to revive Bollywood classics in their own way.
“This competition has taught us to be more flexible and exposed us to the Bollywood kind of music. We would love to explore this genre further and revive old songs,” Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the choir, told PTI.
The musical group, which won over audiences after adapting Bollywood songs to their own style while performing at the talent hunt on Colors, is open to signing film projects provided they are not asked to compromise on their kind of music. The group intends use the prize money for a school in Shillong.
