Hub Exclusive| From Bokajan to Britain’s Got Talent: The dazzling rise of 9-year-old Binita Chetry

Shillong, May 27: When 9-year-old Binita Chetry stepped onto the coveted stage of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025, little did anyone realise that she would be making history, putting the north-eastern region of India on the global map. Binita has made history by becoming the first contestant from northeast India to reach the finals of BGT 2025. The grand finale of the show is on May 31, and Binita is extremely busy trying to perfect her final act for the big day.

But behind that infectious sweet smile, dynamic energy and astonishing dance skills is a long journey of struggle, hard work and sacrifice, not just hers but her entire family that carried her from a quiet village in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district to the spotlight of Britain’s Got Talent 2025. In an exclusive interview with Hub News, her father Amar Chetry narrates their journey as a family and the sacrifices made along to support their daughter’s journey.

Currently a fourth-grade student at My Own School in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Binita was born in Amarajan, a small village in Bokajan, Assam. Her earliest stages were not glossy platforms or shining arenas — they were the modest floors of her home, where she mirrored YouTube dance videos with uncanny precision.

“She was barely three when we noticed her imitating complex dance steps perfectly,” recalled Amar Chetry in a phone interview with Hub News. “That’s when we realized, this wasn’t just a passing interest — it was her gift,” he said.

Despite financial hardships and the crushing weight of the COVID-19 pandemic on their family’s small chicken-selling business, Amar made a difficult decision – to support his daughter’s dream at any cost. “We sold our vehicle, borrowed money from friends — whatever it took,” he says. “We believed in her.”

That belief took root when Binita, at the age of five, stunned audiences on Super Dancer Season 4. Even at such a tender age, her performance exuded confidence, rhythm, and an uncanny stage presence that left the judges spellbound. The world was beginning to see what Amar had seen years before.

The turning point came when Binita’s path crossed with renowned choreographer Hardik Rawat, a star in India’s dance circuit known for his stints in Dance Plus, Dance Deewane, and Dance India Dance. Rawat, based in Jaipur, took Binita under his wing at his dance school, where she trained rigorously under his mentorship.

With Rawat’s guidance, Binita’s raw talent was sharpened into world-class artistry. That preparation culminated in one of the most electrifying moments of her young life – her audition on Britain’s Got Talent in 2025. Performing in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli, Binita stunned the audience with her flexibility, control, and passion.

Despite delivering an outstanding performance in the semi-finals, it was still a difficult journey for Binita as her other two competitors were equally gifted – CJ Emmons, a seasoned vocalist with performances at the Oscars under his belt; Han and Fran, a singing duo whose rendition of ABBA’s classics captivated the crowd.

The judges faced a daunting task as only one contestant could move forward to the final. As the eliminations were announced, the tension in the auditorium was palpable. First to be eliminated was CJ Emmons, followed by the exit of Han and Fran. What happened next was nothing short of magical. The judges announced Binita as the finalist, and the entire hall erupted. The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, as thunderous cheers echoed throughout the venue. This feat also made her the first-ever finalist from Northeast India on the show.

Back home in Bokajan, Binita’s journey has ignited hope and pride. Locals celebrate her as a symbol of what perseverance, talent, and unwavering parental support can achieve. “We are confident that our daughter will create a sensation in the final and once again make India’s Tricolour flag fly high on the British stage,” believes her father.

Her story is not just one of a child’s rise to fame, it’s a testament to the power of dreams and the sacrifices made to achieve them.