Steve Zirwa: From Struggles to Becoming IBD Season 4 Winner

After almost three months of intense competition, the race for India’s Best Dancer (IBD) Season 4 has finally come to an end, and the audience has a new champion. The winner of this season’s trophy is Steve Zirwa from Shillong. Overwhelmed with joy, Steve not only won the trophy but also took home a cash prize of "My journey from Top 12 to Top 2 was an amazing one. It was challenging at times, but I found it very enjoyable. Even though it was tough, I embraced the challenge and had a lot of fun. If I hadn’t won the trophy, I would have still seen Nepo Bhaiya as the winner. I’ve been greatly inspired by him since the start. Even when we first met, he was teaching me. Even now, in my heart, the only name I think of is Nepo Bhaiya. He deserved to win."

• When did you first start dancing? You've mentioned your grandmother several times. Can you tell us more about her role in your journey?

"My dance journey began in 2015, and my grandmother played a huge role in it. She encouraged me to pursue dance, and without her support, I wouldn't have been able to keep going. She always made sure to motivate me, even when I practiced late into the night. She’d always say, 'You’re working hard, and one day your hard work will pay off."

• You’ve participated in many competitions before. But before IBD, did you ever audition for a show?

"Before IBD, I didn’t audition for any show. However, a year ago, I auditioned for another show and made it to the semifinals. After that, I didn’t think much about auditions, I just focused on training. Then, IBD’s audition came up, and my mom and grandmother encouraged me to give it a shot. So, I auditioned and ended up here."

• As a viewer, we’ve seen you compete for 8 consecutive weeks. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from IBD that you’ll carry with you going forward?

"Competing for 8 weeks in a row was challenging, but also really rewarding. Every week, the competition got tougher, and I had to push myself to maintain the level of performance the judges expected. I learned many new dance styles during the show and kept evolving. The most important thing I learned was that the competition was not just with the other contestants, but with myself. I had to constantly raise the bar."

• Is there anything from your IBD journey that you’ll never forget?

"There are so many memories I’ll carry with me. The moments I spent with the other contestants will always stay in my heart. Wherever I go, those memories will be with me, and I’ll cherish them forever."

• Among your mentors—Geeta Ma, Terence Sir, and Karishma—who was the most supportive?

"Geeta Ma was the most supportive. She treated me like her own son. Whenever I performed on stage, she was always cheering for me with so much energy. That love and encouragement from her made a huge difference in my journey."

• You’ve mentioned Remo Sir as your inspiration. He has praised your dancing style and even offered you a role in one of his films. Can you share more about that?

"Yes, Remo Sir told me that I’m his favorite dancer, and he really liked my style. When he saw my performance, he said, 'Once this show ends, come to me. We’re making a film, and I’d love to work with you.' Hearing that was like a dream come true for me, because I had always looked up to him after watching his films like ABCD 1, ABCD 2, and Street Dancer. To think that I could be part of something like that one day is beyond words."

• The show may be over, but your journey has just begun. What’s next for you?

"Yes, winning this trophy marks the beginning of my new journey. I feel like this is just the opening of a new door for me, and now I need to step through it and live that moment fully."

• A lot of people are inspired by your journey, especially after seeing you battle through pain in your legs. Can you share more about that experience?

"I’ve had pain in my legs, and today, people know me because of that struggle. My pain was a huge challenge, but with my grandmother’s blessings and strength, I overcame it. My journey will inspire not just people from my state, but many others as well. They will see that no one can stop you if you have the willpower to keep going."

You must have many dreams. Can you share some of them with us?

"One of my dreams was to win this trophy, and I’ve achieved that. Now, I believe the rest of my dreams will also come true. Another dream I have is to make sure my family never faces struggles again. I want them to live a life full of happiness."

• What are your plans for the future? Will you participate in any other shows?

"Yes, after finishing this show, another show India’s Best Dancer vs Super Dancer is coming up. I’ll be participating in that, and after that, I plan to focus on training and breaking into international dance circuits."

• Which Bollywood stars would you love to work with?

"I would love to work with Shahid Kapoor and Tiger Shroff."

• You’ve received praise from many people, including the judges. Did that boost your confidence?

"Yes, whenever I perform, they get so excited. They always say, 'When Steve dances, it feels like no one else is watching, he’s just lost in his dance.' Hearing that from such big celebrities really motivates me. It encourages me to keep going."

• Now that you’ve won, where are you planning to go first in your car? And what would you buy with your cash prize?

"I don’t know how to drive yet, so I’m not driving anywhere for now! My cash prize will go to my mother and grandmother. Also, I have a dream of having my own room, and I want that room to be filled with shoes!"

• How did your friends and family react when you won?

"My family, friends, and everyone who practiced with me are all extremely happy. They always say that when they see me, they feel something special. Thinking back on those moments makes me feel emotional. I feel so blessed to have reached this far in my journey."

• Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who supported you?

"I just want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Throughout my journey on India’s Best Dancer, all of you have been there for me, supporting me, hyping me up. I am so grateful for all the love, and I hope you keep supporting me the same way moving forward."

In the final, Steve faced tough competition from Harsh Kesari, Nexion, Nepo, Akanksha Mishra (Akeena), and Aditya Malviy. But Steve emerged victorious, clinching the title, while his choreographer Raktim Thakuria was awarded ₹5 lakh as well.

By Priyanka Yadav

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