In a landmark achievement, 17-year-old Steve Jyrwa from Meghalaya has claimed the title in Sony TV’s "India’s Best Dancer" Season 4, stunning the nation with his dynamic moves and dedication.
Jyrwa’s win, marking a historic moment for the arts in Meghalaya, saw him outshine his peers with a mesmerising display of skill and passion.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, congratulated Jyrwa on social media, expressing pride in the young dancer’s achievement.
He posted, “Steve Jyrwa of Shillong danced his way into the hearts of the people of India and is now champion of India's Best Dancer! Congratulations Steve, may your talent yield many more achievements!”
Raised in Nongmynsong, Jyrwa’s win earned him a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh and a brand-new car. His choreographer, Raktim Thakuria, was also rewarded with a prize of Rs 5 lakh.
Jyrwa triumphed over an impressive line-up of finalists, including Harsh Keshri, Nextion, Nepo, Akanksha Mishra, and Aditya Malviya, securing his place in the nation’s hearts.
The judging panel, consisting of industry icons Karisma Kapoor, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis, was consistently impressed by Jyrwa’s unique style.
Kapoor particularly noted, “From the moment he first performed, he captured our attention with his incredible talent, raw energy, and his fast footwork. Steve has set a new standard on this stage with his livewire performances.”
Jyrwa, who has dreamt of this achievement for years, reflected on his experience, calling it "a dream come true."
He shared, “This journey was full of learning and challenges, filled with long hours of practice, dedication, and constant learning, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.”
The win is especially meaningful for Jyrwa’s family and Meghalaya’s vibrant arts community. His mother, Bibi Jyrwa, revealed that their family supported his dreams despite limited resources, believing in his potential from the start.
Bibi’s sentiments are shared by Bah Kitbok Thabah, President of the All Meghalaya Dancers Association (AMDA), who had previously advocated for increased government backing to uplift talented but underprivileged youth.
The grand finale, a night filled with high-energy performances, also saw special guest appearances from choreographer Remo D’Souza, actresses Malaika Arora and Urvashi Rautela, entertainer Manisha Rani, and singer Shael Oswal.
Hosted by Jay Bhanushali and Aniket Chauhan, the finale celebrated Jyrwa’s journey, a testament to talent, resilience, and the immense pride of a supportive community.