Sikkim on Sunday night erupted in unbridled joy as nine-year-old Jetshen Dohna Lama gave her state a memorable Sonam Lochar gift by winning the ninth edition of Saregama Li’l Champs, a popular reality show aired by Zee TV.
Jetshen, who is from Pakyong, the headquarters of the eponymous district, had caught the imagination of not just Sikkim, but a national audience, including luminaries in Bollywood, with her extraordinary singing from the very start of the over the three-month-long talent hunt that culminated in her being crowned the champion on Sunday night.
Sonam Lochar, the New Year festival of the Tamang community to which Jetshen belongs, was celebrated on Sunday. Almost all in Sikkim were glued to TV on Sunday night to watch the final episode.
Along with the trophy, the prodigy went home with a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh by beating five other co-finalists in Harsh Sikandar, Dhyaneshwari Gadage, Rafa Yeasmin, Atanu Mishra and Atharva Bakshi. The show was judged by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, composer Anu Malik and singer Neeti Mohan.
“This is a dream come true for me! Honestly, the competition was tough as all the other contestants of the season are very talented and I really feel grateful that I got to share the stage with them,” Jetshen said in a statement. A girl with few words which she speaks almost inaudibly — traits that provided much mirth to the anchor, judges, guests and audiences during the course of the show —, she roars like the turbulent Teesta river with a mike in hand and music to accompany.
The incredible versatility of Jetshen’s singing means her voice could change colours, just like the water of the Teesta does by turning green during winters and flowing mellifluously. “Personalities like Anu Malik told me that she (Jetshen) is a rare talent who is capable of making it on her own,” said Jacob Khaling, the president of Jetshen Lama Support Club and political secretary to chief minister P. S. Tamang (Golay).
The hugely talented singer came into prominence by winning the first edition of Sikkim Idol, which was organised by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)-owned media outlet, last year. “Our support for Jetshen Dohna does not end here. We will continue to support her in future as well.... We will receive her at Rangpo around 10am on January 25. Once we return to Sikkim, we will consult everybody and give her a grand welcome,” said Khaling, who was among the audience at the grand finale.
Roshan Lama, the father of Jesthen who was also among the audience along with his wife Unish, said they were overwhelmed by the support received by their daughter not just from Sikkim, but also from the larger global Gorkha diaspora.
“Jethsen today achieved success because of the support of all of you.... What do I say, I have no words to express my gratitude,” he said.
Jetshen is a student of Class IV at El Bethel Academy in Pakyong and was initially trained in music at the Pakyong Music Institute under the guidance of Nagen Chhetri and subsequently at the Reemanti Rai-owned Reemanti Sangeetalaya Academy in Gangtok. “I am immensely grateful to all my mentors who have constantly supported me and helped me understand my potential as a singer,” said the singing sensation.