9-Year-Old Binita Chettri Creates History as Second Runner-Up at Britain’s Got Talent 2025

KalimNews, London / Guwahati, May 31, 2025  :  Binita Chettri, a 9-year-old from the quiet town of Bokajan in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, has etched her name in global entertainment history by finishing as the second runner-up in the grand finale of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025. The milestone marks her as the first Indian contestant to reach the finals of the iconic talent show, a feat that has resonated deeply across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the global South Asian diaspora.

The finale, held on May 31 in the UK, saw British magician Harry Moulding take the top prize, followed by LED dance troupe The Blackouts in second place. Despite not clinching the title, Binita’s electrifying performances and emotional connection with audiences worldwide made her a standout star.

From the remote village of Talbalijan in Bokajan to one of the most watched stages in the world, Binita Chettri's rise is a remarkable story of dedication, talent, and family support. Her success is being celebrated not only as a personal triumph but as a moment of collective pride for the region and the country.

Her journey is certain to inspire a new generation of young performers across India and beyond, showing that with hard work and belief, even the most distant dreams can come true.

Hailing from the Gorkha community, Binita stunned both the judges and audiences with her technically challenging dance routines, which featured complex elements such as backflips. Her performances consistently drew standing ovations, and one heartwarming moment saw her telling the judges, “If I win, I’ll buy a pink princess house.”

Behind her rise to international fame is her father, Amar Chettri, a small broiler farm owner and community leader. He also serves as District Vice President of the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU). Recognizing his daughter’s passion and potential, he ensured she received formal dance training—first in Guwahati and later in Jaipur—under the mentorship of her aunt Amrita Devi and renowned choreographer Hardik Rawat.

Global Support, Local Pride

Though a UK-based show, Binita’s journey drew massive support from South Asia. According to Nanda Kirati Dewan, senior journalist and coordinator of the BGT Binita Chetry Support Group, “The result might have been different if global voting lines had been open. Thousands across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Asian nations were eager to vote, and we received over 20,000 missed calls in a week from people asking how to support her.”

Despite the limitations of the voting system, Binita’s popularity soared, particularly after she advanced to the finals through public votes, even without receiving a golden buzzer in the semi-finals—a fact that many fans noted with disappointment but also with admiration for her resilience.

National Recognition and Emotional Gratitude

Binita’s achievement drew praise from leaders and public figures. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video celebrating her accomplishment, while industrialist Anand Mahindra lauded her as a “world-class talent” and “a true artist with willpower.”

In a thank-you video posted to BGT’s official social media, Binita expressed deep gratitude for the support she received globally and especially thanked voters in the United Kingdom. She highlighted the encouragement from viewers across Asia, noting that the love from India, Nepal, and Bhutan gave her strength to perform at her best on a global stage. She added, “I love my country, and I want to make India proud.”

One particularly heartfelt message was directed at Assam’s chief minister: “I want to personally meet our Chief Minister Himanta Mama in Guwahati and thank him for his support and blessings in my journey. I hope this message reaches him.”

She also thanked Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), for extending ₹5 lakh in financial support to assist with her preparations for the grand finale. Binita acknowledged continued encouragement from Dr. Numal Momin, local MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, who has guided her over the past year.

A Symbol of Inspiration