Rising Star 3 came to an end and 11-year-old Aftab Singh from Punjab took home the trophy. The youngest contestant from amongst the top 5, Aftab says that he did not even see himself in the Top, let alone win the show. He was also given a nickname ‘Chote Sultan’ for his energetic performances and even the first contestant to receive a 'triple tutari' from Shankar Mahadevan. We grilled Aftab on his Rising Star 3 experience and his plans hereafter, which by the way are very big ones, and the young boy seems determined to fulfill them. Rising Star 3 Finale: 12-Year-Old Aftab Singh Wins the Singing Reality Show Defeating Diwakar Sharma

Rising Star must have been a dream come true. Did you anticipate that you would go on and win this season back when you started?

I did not even expect to see myself in the Top 5. So that and this win, both were much unexpected. And I couldn’t be happier.

Who has been your rock-solid support throughout?

The viewers, the audience, the judges and my parents, everyone played an equal role in my win. Every vote, every word of encouragement, every criticism only helped me better my performances, which led to my win.

Tell us some of your most cherished and appreciated moments from the show.

Every moment on Rising Star 3 starting from my auditions to the moment I stepped down with the trophy, it’s all priceless. I will remember each and every moment I spent on this show. We all (the other contestants) have eaten and drank and lived on Rising Star 3 and I will miss every single person I shared the stage with and participated with, a lot.

What do you plan on doing next, now that the show has ended?

I plan on making a studio at my house and compose songs to entertain and thank all the fans and admirers that I have won over. I want to pay a tribute to them through my songs.

The future already looks up for Aftab, for judge Shankar Mahadevan has offered him not only his first paycheque but also an opportunity to perform at one of his concerts. Here's wishing Aftab lots of luck and success for his future dreams.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2019 09:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).