Meiyang Chang, 28, won the fourth season of the popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, beating the other finalists Yana Gupta and Sushant Singh Rajput.
The dentist-turned-singer/actor was a non-dancer before he entered the show but improved gradually, and finally beat the better dancers of Jhalak.
Chang and his choreographer Marischa Fernandes won a cash prize of 25 lakh each.
Shushant won the 'Most Spotless Performance award' and walked away with a prize money of 5 lakh.
"Chang has transformed from a non-dancer to a dancer and is the perfect example of an underdog," said Remo D'Souza, one of the judges. "Sushant was performing brilliantly episode after episode but the person who plays the last shot brilliantly is the star and Chang did brilliantly in the finale episode."
After winning the trophy, Chang said, "Jhalak was my best journey in a long time. When I started shooting for the show, I had only one aim: to do my best and master the art of dancing from the best choreographers and dancers (judges Madhuri Dixit and Malaika Arora Khan). I'm indebted to my choreographer Marischa, the judges and the audience, who believed in me."
Chang added that he did not expect to last till the end. "Being a non-dancer, I was worried about competing with dancers. But after two-three rounds, Marischa assured me it doesn't matter if you are a bad dancer as long as judges feel that you have potential.
"She kept pushing me and I started giving a 100 percent. Sometimes, I would not go home. I feel it's my dedication and hard work that helped me win the title," Chang continued.
Yet, there are rumours that Chang was favoured by the channel, Sony Entertainment Television. "I don't know why you say this. My hard work has appealed to the audience and judges. I wouldn't say that I am the best dancer but I am a good student," he clarified.
Chang claims that the Teen Ka Takda round saw his toughest performance. "It was difficult because I wasn't in town for a few days and we had to incorporate a third dancer for that particular round even though we were new ourselves. We tried hard to get the co-ordination right. Marischa and I had a nervous breakdown! It was really demanding," he said.
Chang is all praise for the judges. "They were very sweet, especially Madhuri Dixit," he said. "Even when the performances were not up to the mark, she would say it in a nice way."
Will we see him in more reality shows now? "No more reality shows for me as a participant now," he said. "I wouldn't mind taking part in a show like Fear Factor. After putting in so much of hard work in dance, I think I am fit for a show like Fear Factor now (laughs)"
Chang claims he wants to focus on singing and acting now. "I know that I don't have the face of a hero but I will be happy doing supporting roles," he said.
So what will he do with the prize money? "My girlfriend (singer and former Indian Idol contestant Monali Thakur) has threatened to take away all my money!"
Marischa claims that she wants to go on a long holiday with friends with her booty.
Chang first came into the limelight after he participated in the singing reality show Indian Idol 3. He went on to become an anchor for the IPL, and made his acting debut in Yash Raj Films' Badmaash Company.
