After months of gruelling dance-offs, intense competition and many memorable moments, the country’s biggest dance celebration, India’s Dancing Superstar (IDS) came to a grand finish with a tough battle among the top 5 finalists Palden-Khyati, MJ-5, Loyola Dream Team, Akshay Pal and Padmini-Debashish. Justifying that hard work always pays off, MJ-5, who had been performing consistently well, picked up the trophy as the winner of India’s Dancing Superstar (BBC Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd) last Saturday (3 August) night. When the three judges- Bollywood choreographer Geeta Kapur, dancer and choreographer Ashley Lobo and actor Riteish Deshmukh along with Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha the stars of Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara opened the golden envelope to announce the winner of IDS, the cheers from around the studio echoed the popularity of the winning team. Receiving the trophy from Akshay and Sonakshi, MJ5 couldn’t believe that they had won the much envied titled. Overwhelmed with emotions, the excited bunch was embraced by fellow contestants and their family members. “It’s an unbelievable moment for us; all our hard work has finally paid off. We would like to thank our choreographers and the judges for their continuous support and the nation for voting for us and Star Plus for turning us celebrities overnight,” observed R Karthik from MJ5. Along with the IDS trophy, the group won a cash prize of Rs 50 lakhs. The competition saw a tough battle on the dance floor till the very end with some breathtaking and power packed performances ranging from the moonwalk to gym routines and never seen before stunts. The finale also treated the viewers with the judges taking to the stage and giving some energetic performances. “We were all confident of who would rank among the top 5 to make it to the finale and I am happy that the best contestants made it. From the beginning, MJ5 has been a very strong contender and it’s their hard work that has resulted in this glorious win,” commented Lobo. Averred choreographer Kapur, “I am proud of the decision that the viewers made. We all have been a great family and I am going to miss everything.” This debut season of the dance reality show aimed to provide a platform to the most passionate and talented dancers in India. The participants were a mix of children, teenagers, young adults and even grandparents who competed on the same podium.