Prachi is new twinkle-toes of 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'

Mumbai, Dec 16 (IANS) Prachi Desai, perhaps the youngest and most favourite daughter-in-law of the small screen, has now become the best dancer too after winning the 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 2' trophy.

Prachi and her choreographer Deepak won the trophy and prize money of Rs.5 million after a tough contest Saturday, beating finalists Sandhya Mridul and Jay Bhanushali, in the grand finale.

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, the special guests, gave away the trophies. Both stars, who will be seen together in romantic comedy 'Welcome', were attired in black and made a striking pair. Akshay sported a new look with his jaw-line beard.

Although the three judges gave their votes to Sandhya, the public declared Prachi, the youngest participant, as the winner.

Wearing a red tunic with silver leggings, Prachi was looking like an excited school kid. However, she controlled her excitement while the others were busy consoling Sandhya.

Prachi, seen as the sari-clad bahu of 'Kkasam Se', surprised the entire nation with her dancing skills and became the favourite of the judges too.

A twist in the tale came when the public voted her out and she was eliminated from the show earlier on despite being the best performer. However, she re-entered with the help of a wild card.

Not only that, Ekta Kapoor, a tough taskmaster, granted her just four days' break from 'Kkasam Se' to prepare for the 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' finals. Ekta however, refused the same kindness to Jay, who plays the main lead in her serial 'Kayamath'.

Last-minute dramatic changes in the verdict are nothing new.

Last year, Shweta Salve was the favourite of the judges and viewers and a sure shot winner. But it was Mona Singh who walked away with the first prize.

Another last-minute change was witnessed when Shweta was selected as the female anchor, but it was 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' Mona Singh who showed up with Rohit Roy.

While Mona is still looking for her big break in Bollywood, Prachi has already got it. She has been signed opposite Farhan Akhtar for 'Rock On'.

For the grand finale, not only did the other nine eliminated couples perform, veteran star Jeetendra shook a leg too. The audience went berserk when he hit the dance floor and performed to some of his hit numbers.