Mumbai-based hip hop group ‘The Kings’ wins season 3 of World of Dance, takes home $1 million

Mumbai-based hip hop dance group ‘The Kings’ has been crowned as the winner of the third season of popular US-based reality TV show “World of Dance”.

The NBC show is judged by singer-actor Jennifer Lopez, rapper Ne-Yo, and dancer Derek Hough.

“Finally, #TheKings are the World Champions. We made it! India is on Top,” the group posted on their official Twitter handle.

A similar announcement was made on the Twitter page of World of Dance. “The Kings are officially #WorldofDance royalty. Sending big love to our champions,” the post read.

Two years back, the group had earned high praise for their ‘Baahubali’ act, in which they used the concept of cinematic feel and slow motion.

They incorporated a similar theme in the final performance, in which the group dressed as gladiators and presented a powerful act in Spartan style, full of death-defying stunts and well-choreographed and coordinated moves.

They impressed the judges with their performance and scored a perfect 100 to win the competition.

The crew, consisting of Ritesh Vishwakarma, Karthik Priyadarshan, Shijin Ramesh, Chandan Acharya, Sunny Chatterjee, Mohan Pandey, Charles Edward, Pratik Gojare, Prem Bhawar, Pavan Rao, Raja Das, Hardik Rawat, Akshay Varavdekar, Hritik Gupta and Naidu Vishwakarma, has taken home a cash prize of USD 1 million.

 

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10 years of struggle, hard work, pain, sleepless nights, fear, sacrifices has been paid off finally! Yesterday’s hard work resulted in today’s victory!!!! With no time in hand, we had to make decision whether to participate or not and with just 10 days before the travel date, we cleared our travel documents and proceeded with our participation in WOD3 . Who knew that a group from India would reach the finals and emerge with the title of WORLD CHAMPIONS. But, we did it and converted our dream into reality with hard work and determination. It seems so surreal for us today and we are still unable to convince ourself that yes , We made it. We are so overwhelmed with the response We received through out the show . This makes us work even more harder for our future dreams. Special Thanks to our Choreogrpher @suresh_kingsunited ???⚔️?? The Team ? @karthik_thekings @ritesh_the_kings @shijin_thekings @chandanacharya @mohanpandey @sunnychatterjeey @pavankingsunited @prem_thekings @hardik.rawat @charles_thekings @pratik_thekings @rajadas_thekings @akshay_thekings @naidu_thekings @hritikkingsunited . . . . . #Thekings #Wod #WorldChampions #Wod3 #Worldofdance #Worldofdance3 #KingsUnited #thekingswod

A post shared by The Kings (@kings_united_india) on May 5, 2019 at 8:33pm PDT

Suresh Mukund, the director/choreographer of the 15-member crew, said participating in the show and winning it has been the best experience of their lives.

“Tonight, is the night which each and every Indian is going to remember for life and feel proud seeing the Indian Flag flying high with the perfect score for our stellar performance… The journey of local dancers from the small gully of Vasai Nallasopara to the world champions was really challenging filled with never-ending hard work and dedication,” he posted on Instagram.

Prior to “World of Dance”, The Kings have also won the bronze medal at the World Hip Hop Championship 2015, San Diego. They were also the winner of India’s Got Talent in 2011.

According to The Kings’ official Twitter page, the group’s story has been the subject of choreographer-director Remo D’Souza’s “ABCD2”.

While fans will still be able to enjoy their performances, the group has no plans of entering any more dance competitions now.

“The Kings (managed by Qyuki) will no longer compete at dance competitions now. We have already achieved the world’s best dance group title. My team is pretty settled right now and is doing shows worldwide,” added Mukund.