Fairuz Labiba from Khulna was crowned the winner of ‘Gaaner Raja 2019’, the popular musical reality show for the children of the country. Besides, Shafiqul Islam (Netrokona) became first runner-up and Sithi Sarkar (Mymensingh) secured the position of second runner-up.

The grand finale of ‘ACI Fun Cake-Channel i-Gaaner Raja powered by ACI Pure Spice’ was held at the Hall of Fame of Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital on Friday.

The winner of the title received Taka 5 lakh, while the first runner-up and the second runner-up got Taka 3 lakh and Taka 2 lakh respectively.

Internationally-renowned singer Runa Laila handed over the awards to the winners in the presence of executive director of ACI Consumer Brands Syed Alamgir, business director of ACI Foods Ltd Faria Yasmin, managing director of Channel i Faridur Reza Sagor, Channel i director and head of news Shykh Seraj, Impress Group chairman Abdur Rashid Majumdar and two main judges of ‘Gaarner Raja’, singers Konal and Imran.

Alongside her participation as the guest judge at the grand finale, Runa Laila mesmerised the audience with her performance of famous song ‘Onek Bristy Jhore Tumi Ele’.

The grand finale programme started with a stunning rendition by former cultural affairs minister and noted cultural personality, Asaduzzaman Noor. He urged all the people of the country to stop violence against children and women. “Children are our future. After our departure, they will be the leaders of our country,” he said.

Top five contestants Meftahur Jannat Lora, Fairuz Labiba, Shafiqul Islam, Poni Chakma and Sithi Sarkar share staged and performed duets with the prominent singers Agun, SI Tutul, Dolly Sayantani, Topu and Tapan Chowdhury respectively.

Lustrous film actress Pori Moni performed in a gorgeous dance segment with a group of artistes, while Purnima and Roshan appeared as a pair in a dance performance.

The grand finale event was anchored by Mumtaheena Toya and child artiste Sahir.

A number of 54 children aged between 6 and 13 participated in this reality show who were selected in separate audition rounds took place in seven divisions across the country. After telecasting as many as 40 successful episodes of grooming and training over the last six months, top five contestants fought for the crown in the grand finale.

BK