Introduction: The Phenomenon of Children’s Musical Reality Shows
In recent years, musical reality television shows have become a cultural phenomenon across India, capturing the imagination of viewers of all ages. Among these, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences, particularly for its ability to showcase the raw and unfiltered talent of children. The Tamil adaptation, Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs, has not only replicated the success of its Hindi counterpart but has carved its own unique identity, blending the rich heritage of Tamil music with contemporary performance styles. Airing on Zee Tamil since December 2016, the show has grown into one of the most anticipated platforms for aspiring young singers between the ages of 5 and 14.
Origins and Format: A Stage for Young Voices
Based on the Hindi-language original, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, the Tamil version was designed to appeal to a younger demographic while maintaining the rigorous standards of a professional singing competition. The show is meticulously structured to evaluate participants not only on their vocal quality but also on their versatility, stage presence, and overall musicality.
The audition process is both intense and exciting. Contestants are given 100 seconds to impress a panel of judges and a 30-member grand jury, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the top 24 who move forward to the main stage. This selection process is pivotal in ensuring that only the most talented and promising children get the opportunity to showcase their skills to a nationwide audience.
Archana Chandhoke, a celebrated Tamil television presenter, has served as the host throughout the series, guiding young contestants with warmth, encouragement, and professionalism. Her presence provides a familiar and comforting face for the participants, many of whom are performing before large audiences for the first time.
Seasons and Judges: Nurturing Talent Across Generations
Since its debut on 24 December 2016, Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs has aired five seasons, each building on the success of the previous one. The show’s panel of judges has featured some of the most respected names in South Indian playback singing.
- Season 1 (2016–2017) featured Karthik, Vijay Prakash, and Sujatha Mohan, who assessed young contestants on musical proficiency and stage presence.
- Season 2 (2018) added Srinivas to the panel, bringing in his extensive experience from over 2,000 songs in South Indian cinema.
- Season 3 (2023) introduced Abhirami and Saindhavi Prakash, expanding the judges’ expertise to include a blend of playback singing and Carnatic classical music.
- Season 4 (2024–2025) featured S. P. Charan and Shweta Mohan, further enriching the mentorship offered to contestants with a combination of classical knowledge and contemporary sensibilities.
The judges play a dual role: they critique performances with professional insight while also mentoring contestants to hone their skills. Their feedback, often both rigorous and nurturing, helps contestants develop not just as singers but as confident performers.
Season Highlights: Celebrating Young Talent
Season 1
Premiering on 24 December 2016, the first season set the benchmark for the series. Over 40 episodes, the show introduced audiences to Vishwa Prasad, the eventual winner, whose performances demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Other notable finalists included Disathana (first runner-up), Rakthash (second runner-up), and Ann Benson.
The grand jury, composed of stalwarts like Ramji, S. N. Surendar, and V. Uma Shankar, ensured that performances were assessed fairly and comprehensively. The season culminated in a grand finale that celebrated the diversity of young talent, with Vishwa Prasad taking home ₹40 lakh, setting a high standard for subsequent seasons.
Season 2
The second season aired from May to November 2018 and featured 53 episodes. With judges Karthik, Srinivas, Sujatha Mohan, and Vijay Prakash, this season introduced contestants to an even higher level of musical scrutiny. Idhazhika, the season winner, showcased versatility and emotional depth, earning ₹40 lakh as the prize. Other finalists, including Aryananda, Bavin Vinoth, and Sahana, demonstrated the competitive spirit and musical excellence that the show had become known for.
The involvement of celebrities such as Sivakarthikeyan as guests further elevated the show’s profile, bridging the gap between cinema and reality television.
Season 3
After a hiatus, Season 3 premiered on 1 July 2023 and ran for 50 episodes. Hosted again by Archana Chandhoke, the season featured a mix of experienced judges and new mentors: Srinivas, Vijay Prakash, Abhirami, and Saindhavi Prakash.
The grand finale on 17 December 2023 consisted of six finalists, including Kilmisha, Ruthresh Kumar, Sanjana, Rikshitha Jawahar, Kanishkar, and Nishanth Kavin. The finale was conducted in two rounds: the freestyle round, where contestants chose their own songs, and the challenging round, testing adaptability under pressure. Kilmisha emerged as the winner, earning ₹1 million, with Ruthresh Kumar and Sanjana securing first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
The season highlighted not only technical proficiency but also creativity, as contestants navigated the pressures of live performance and audience expectations.
Season 4
Premiering on 2 November 2024, Season 4 added judges Shweta Mohan and S. P. Charan to the lineup. The grand finale, held on 11 May 2025, concluded with Divinesh as the winner and Yogashree as the first runner-up. The season was notable for integrating cinematic guest appearances, including actors Sivakarthikeyan, Arya, and Santhanam, connecting the contestants to the broader entertainment industry.
Season 5
The fifth season began airing on 6 December 2025. With 48 young contestants, the season continues the tradition of rigorous auditions and showcases a commitment to nurturing talent among Tamil-speaking children globally. Archana Chandhoke returns as host, offering consistency and familiarity for both contestants and audiences.
The Cultural Impact: A Platform for Young Musicians
Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs is more than a reality show; it is a cultural institution in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil-speaking communities worldwide. The program provides a rare platform where children can express their creativity and receive professional feedback, fostering the next generation of playback singers.
The show also serves as an educational experience, exposing contestants to various musical genres, including classical Carnatic music, contemporary film songs, and regional folk traditions. This diversity enriches the participants’ musical vocabulary and encourages experimentation within the safety of a competitive but supportive environment.
Moreover, the show has sparked conversations about child performers in the entertainment industry. With strict guidelines on performance duration, mentorship, and mental health support, Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs strikes a balance between entertainment and responsible nurturing of talent.
Audience Engagement and Digital Presence
One of the key factors behind the show’s success is its engagement with viewers beyond television. Social media platforms, YouTube, and online voting systems allow audiences to actively participate in the show’s narrative. Clips of standout performances often go viral, generating discussion, admiration, and inspiration among fans.
The digital footprint also extends to interaction with judges and hosts, providing insights into behind-the-scenes moments, rehearsal processes, and contestant journeys. This multi-platform presence has ensured that the show remains relevant to younger audiences who consume content across multiple devices.
Notable Contestants and Alumni
Over the course of five seasons, the show has produced remarkable young talent. Contestants like Vishwa Prasad, Idhazhika, Kilmisha, and Divinesh have gone on to participate in other musical ventures, contributing to Tamil cinema and independent music. Many of these alumni continue to serve as inspirations for aspiring singers, demonstrating that early exposure to professional performance can pave the way for long-term careers in music.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Musical Excellence
With over five seasons and numerous episodes, Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs has firmly established itself as a premier platform for young talent. Its unique blend of entertainment, cultural education, and mentorship makes it a cornerstone of Tamil musical television.
From its meticulous audition process to its high-profile grand finales, the show has maintained a delicate balance between competition and nurturing, ensuring that every child walks away with skills, confidence, and inspiration. As Season 5 continues, the legacy of Tamil Dhool Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs demonstrates that the pursuit of musical excellence, when paired with careful guidance, can transform young dreams into tangible success.
Through its judges, hosts, and contestants, the show not only entertains millions but also reinforces the idea that talent, dedication, and guidance can create stars—even among the youngest of performers.