Voice of India DEBOJIT SAHA writes what the title of Little Champ means to Anamika Choudhury and the Northeast...

Debojit Saha may have been just lucky, to put it in the words of some critics. But will they say the same thing about Anamika Choudhury? That the Northeast is a storehouse of hidden talent was never in question. What was not welcome was the doubt expressed by some critics about singers from the region being able to stand up to the national challenge.

I am very happy. Anamika has done us all proud. But, more importantly, she has emerged as the latest role model for youngsters in the region.

I was there during the finals of the Zee TV SaReGaMaPa L’il Champs along with hundreds of other fans and well-wishers from the Northeast. And what a night it was! Anamika was outstanding — a little nightingale mesmerising the world with her lilting voice.

As a talent, I had always felt that she was a winner. But I was a bit apprehensive, as there was no telling which way the public votes would go.

Anamika also stood above the other finalists, Tanmay Chaturvedi and Rohanpreet, because of her maturity. But she still had to perform well to impress the judges and the people.

All those from the Northeast who were present during the finals partied all night after Anamika won. I was part of the celebrations and it was a wonderful feeling. I am sure there was jubilation back home in Assam, especially in her hometown Mariani.

After Anamika’s success, organisers of musical reality shows will surely be keen to hold auditions in the region. I will request TV channels to go to the region on a talent hunt. I am taking the initiative and will do whatever is possible.

It was also a nice gesture on Anamika’s part to announce that she wanted to set up a music school in the state to help other singers.

Now that the L’il Champ is on top of the world after months of hard work, I want her to take a few weeks off to rewind and get ready for the next phase. This is just the beginning and she will have a lot of commitments to fulfil. Winning the contest is not the end of the road for this wonderful little singer. She can only get better. What she needs is a level head on her young shoulders and proper guidance by her parents. If the success goes to her head, it can be disastrous. We all wish to see Anamika as one of the best singers in the country.