Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009 hasn’t quite set the ratings on fire but expect some fireworks at its grand finale.

Firstly, as we had told you earlier, the channel was contemplating hosting the finale at the Gateway of India. As it turns out, they’ve got the green signal from the Maharashtra government to go ahead with their ambitious plans. For the second straight year, Akshay Kumar will announce the winner. Giving him company will be Deepika Padukone. News has it that other Bollywood celebs too will make their presence felt.

As per sources, Ajay Devgan and singer Sukhvinder Singh will perform at the finale. It’s a surprise that the channel has invited Sukhvinder who was a judge in a rival show which culminated few days back. When asked about this, our source replied, “We want to dedicate the finale to the victims of 26//11 Mumbai attacks. That’s the reason why we’ve chosen to stage the finals at Gateway of India. Patriotic songs will be the flavour of the night. So, Ajay will perform to a track from his film Halla Bol, which is sung by Sukhvinder. It’s this track which brings them together.”

Meanwhile, efforts are still on to try and rope in one of the living legends – Lata Mangeshkar or Asha Bhosle. “We are still trying to have either Lata or Ashaji to our show. However, it looks unlikely that they’ll come. Apparently, the ageing ladies too have cut down on their travelling. Besides, security is also an issue,” our source sighs.

Prior to the final, viewers can catch the penultimate episode of Sa Re Ga Pa Ma Challenge 2009 on 23 January. Anil Kapoor, singer and former Sa Re Ga Ma contestant Kunal Ganjawala were the guests for the show.

The three finalists are Vaishali Made, Shoumen Nandi and Yashita Sharma.