Hunarbaaz: Desh Ki Shaan winner Akash Singh: It’s difficult to survive in Mumbai, I did odd jobs

Akash Singh/Colors

Aerial dancer Akash Singh has won Hunarbaaz: Desh Ki Shaan on Colors, taking home a prize of Rs 15 lakhs and the trophy. Neetu Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Surbhi Chandna were guests along with the judges, Mithun Chakraborty, Parineeti Chopra, and Karan Johar.

What was the winning moment like?
I had tough competition so I hadn't expected to win or even become a finalist! I kept performing different acts and people enjoyed it. With blessings from my family, I won the show. My heart skipped a beat when the winner was to be announced. Yo Highness group and I were called as the final two, the studio went silent! Finally when my name was announced as winner I felt very happy, all my hard work and patience paid off!

Judge Parineeti Chopra has said she considers you as her brother…
Parineeti told me that the person she considers as her brother has won and has done his duty! She told me to always remain down to earth and be good to people.

You have had your share of struggles in Mumbai, what did that phase teach you?
I learnt to face problems, not run away from them. I faced a lot of challenges for four years but finally earned success. It's difficult to survive in Mumbai but I did odd jobs and a lot of people helped me. I used to eat at Gurudwaras but they also don't feed you daily so I started selling milk and newspapers to earn money.

How did you get interested in aerial dancing?
I used to practice aerial acts by hanging on trees in my village and did the same in Mumbai till I became perfect. I was very scared to perform at the auditions in front of big stars. Parineeti called me her brother and encouraged me. I performed well after that and got good marks and comments.

What are your future plans?
I want to work in the film industry with big stars as a choreographer. I also want to participate in international reality shows and make a name for myself and my village.