Rama Krishna Sangem
Shalu, 19, a Haryana based gymnast turned Tiki star is creating ripples on the reality TV show, “India’s Got Talent, (IGT)” Season 9, currently going on Sony channel weekends. Shalu, who along with her another Tiki mate, Ankit, 24, made it to the show in February, is now in the top 11 contenders. The grand finale is expected to take place on April 11.12 and 13.
Shalu is in Bomb Fire Crew acrobatics dance group from Delhi, while Ankit was in Workout Warriors, acrobatics balance act group, also from Delhi. Ankit got eliminated in the first week of March, while Shalu continues to draw applause from across the country. Both these youth were picked for the show hosted by Arjun Bijlani, for their enormous popularity on Tiki short video app.
Tiki became famous in India after the Central government banned a China based app in the post-Galwan border clashes during July 2020. Tiki replaced that banned Chinese App and catering to the needs of the Indian youth in showcasing their talents.
Tiki app, owned by DOL Technologies, a Singapore based firm. By 2021 beginning, millions of Indians got hooked to Tiki for their infotainment, with around 38 million followers.
Delhi youth Ankit, whose dancing skills drew around three lakh followers while Shalu, a professional gymnast, bagged over three lakh followers over the last one year. Both have stunned the admirers thought their short videos that captured the attention of the talent hunters from the entertainment industry.
Tiki provided a platform to their talent and made them popular across the country. According to website, Social Ketchup, both have dreams in their eyes and ambitions to go high. Talking to “Excel India Online.In” on phone from Mumbai’s Yash Raj studio where the IGT’s shooting going on, Shalu said: “I still train youngsters in gymnastics, I enjoy it”.
She is emerging a strong contender to the grand finale through her stunning acrobatic dances. Like any other girl from an ordinary family in India, Shalu too has responsibilities towards to her family – as the sole breadwinner. But, this hasn’t dented her grit and perseverance to go top and appetite to kiss the success.
IGT’s Season 9, is judged by Kirron Kher, Shilpa Shetty, Manoj Muntashir and Badsha. What adds beauty to the show is while the judges have their favorite contestants, the contestants too have their favorite judges. Shalu, if she wins the show, has plans to open a talent training academy in Haryana. “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun” is her favourite movie. Best of luck Shalu!
