Bannet Dosanjh wins Rising Star, defeats Maithili Thakur by just two votes

Singer Bannet Dosanjh has emerged as the winner of India’s first live singing reality show Rising Star by defeating other finalist, Maithili Thakur by just two votes.

Rising Star is the first ever live singing reality show where the contestants woo the audiences with their singing and get immediate feedback in form of votes from them (audience) through an app designed especially for the show.

Bannet got 77% votes, while Maithili got 76% votes in the finale. The second runner-up of Colors channel show, was Ankita Kundu.

“Rising Star has taken my passion for singing to another level... it has given me the platform to share it with the world. I am indebted to the viewers whose constant support and votes have encouraged me to be a better performer, and to the experts whose words of wisdom have guided me throughout this journey.

Congratulations to @BannetDosanjh
Well Deserving India's1stRisingStar?Thank u vry much @diljitdosanjh sir @ColorsTV #RisingStarIndia? pic.twitter.com/Jjtoyh0SD2

— Geetika Mallick (@mallick_geetika) April 24, 2017

“I am thankful to Colors for creating this platform for budding singers like me,” Bannet says in a statement here.

Besides the trophy, he has won a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, an OPPO phone and a contract with Mahesh Bhatt’s Vishesh Films to debut as a playback singer in their next film.

Kudos to our winner Bannet Dosanjh! Here are a few words from the rockstar who is overwhelmed with all the love. #RisingStarGrandFinale pic.twitter.com/nzZdJXCND6

— COLORS (@ColorsTV) April 23, 2017

The contestants were closely monitored by three experts musical maestro Shankar Mahadevan, Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh and new age singer Monali Thakur.

“Pulling off a show like Rising Star was a big challenge for us. The live format, a first-of-its-kind in the Hindi General Entertainment space, required strong technical backing, and the results we have garnered are beyond our imagination.

This was best of all moments? #Dosanjhwale hote hi kamal h @diljitdosanjh g ne to 1st hi prove krdiya tha or aj @BannetDosanjh ne!Congoo!!?? pic.twitter.com/9jqKpJCnBA

— Dosanjhian_Sanju (@thisisvksanju) April 23, 2017

“The engagement level with our viewers through the Colors TV App, gives us the confidence that India is ready for such futuristic formats,” Manisha Sharma, Programming Head, Colors says.

Actor Anil Kapoor was the special guest for the grand finale. He launched the DVD for his blockbuster espionage drama 24: Season 2.

Adding some humour to the finale were kids from the comedy reality show Chhote Miyan Dhaakad who mimicked the three experts to create some laughter moments.