Dance Plus 2, tagged “Get Set Go”, premiered on 2 July 2016 on Star Plus, produced by Varun Trikha Productions, Urban Brew Studios, and Frames Production. The season unfolded across 25 electrifying episodes, culminating in a grand finale on 25 September 2016 from Mumbai.
Host & Super Judge
The lovable and quirky Raghav Juyal reprised his role as the charismatic host, infusing the show with his signature humour and energy. Overseeing the judges’ panel as the super judge was the renowned choreographer and director, Remo D’Souza, bringing his mentorship and cinematic flair to the stage.
Mentors & Teams
Three celebrated choreographers served as mentors—Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan, and Punit Pathak—each building and guiding their own teams of chosen talent throughout the season.
Journey to the Finale
The show’s auditions took place across several Indian cities from 3 May to 26 May 2016, setting the stage for a diverse lineup of contestants. The top finalists included solo acts and groups from various styles and regions—including the formidable Wild Ripperz Crew and solo dancer Sushant Khatri from Nepal—who both advanced to the grand finale.
Winner & Runner-Up
Emerging victorious was Tanay Malhara, a 14-year-old dance prodigy from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, representing Team Dharmesh.
He triumphed over the Wild Ripperz Crew, who earned the runner-up position, also from Team Dharmesh. In second and third runner-up spots were Piyush Bhagat (Team Shakti) and Sushant Khatri (Team Shakti), respectively.
Grand Finale Night
The finale episode aired on 25 September 2016, from 8 pm to 10 pm, and was a glittering affair featuring Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor (promoting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) and Olympic bronze-medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, providing even more star sparkle to the evening.
Prize Money & Rewards
Tanay Malhara didn’t just win hearts—he took home a whopping ₹25 lakh in prize money. He also received a coveted Dance Plus 2 trophy, and many reports confirm he won a car as part of his prize package.
Meanwhile, the runners-up also received recognition and rewards, with media mentions of various prizes like two-wheelers or cash—but the highlight remained Tanay’s remarkable haul.
Tanay Malhara: A Young Prodigy
At just 14 years old, Tanay instantly captured audiences with his graceful yet powerful dance style. Prior to Dance Plus 2, he had made waves on DID Li’l Masters Season 2, showcasing his raw talent from a young age.
Post-victory, he expressed heartfelt gratitude toward his mentor Dharmesh, saying: “Being a 14-year old boy, you deserve to be the next dance icon of the nation.” His humility and awe at winning made the moment even more touching.
In emotional backstage snapshots and interviews, he dedicated his win to Dharmesh while acknowledging the steady support from Shakti and Punit too.
Celebrity Finale Vibes
The finale wasn’t just about competition—it shone with unforgettable moments. Ranbir Kapoor energized the audience with a dance segment, while Sakshi Malik raised the excitement by pressing the show’s iconic “plus” button, prompting a rare “double plus” from Remo—a first in the show’s history.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement and emotion as the finalists performed the last time and waited nervously for the verdict—but ultimately, it was Tanay’s artistry that sealed his place in the spotlight.
Quick Recap Table:
Detail | Info |
Show Premiere | 2 July 2016 |
Finale Date | 25 September 2016 |
Channel | Star Plus |
Host | Raghav Juyal |
Super Judge | Remo D’Souza |
Mentors | Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan, Punit Pathak |
Winner | Tanay Malhara (Team Dharmesh) |
Runner-Up | Wild Ripperz Crew (Team Dharmesh) |
2nd & 3rd Runners-Up | Piyush Bhagat, Sushant Khatri |
Prize | ₹25 lakh, Trophy, Car |
Grand Finale Guests | Ranbir Kapoor, Sakshi Malik |
In Summary
Dance Plus 2 delivered high drama, phenomenal dance, and a feel-good narrative. Hosting duties by Raghav Juyal, guidance from super judge Remo, and the mentorship from Dharmesh, Shakti, and Punit combined into a powerful mix.
But the real hero was Tanay Malhara—a 14-year-old with stage presence, technique, and humility in equal measures—who turned every performance into a statement and ultimately became the nation’s “dance icon.”
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