Somewhere between an audition round and a finale stage, Mangaluru quietly produced not one but two of the strongest young singers in Karnataka this year. When the dust settled on Zee Kannada's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs grand finale, it was a Mangaluru boy named Ashmith holding the trophy.
Ashmith and Achinthya Rai, Mangaluru's top two finishers on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs 2026
A Double Win for Mangaluru
The two-day grand finale aired on August 22 and 23, 2026, on Zee Kannada, hosted by actress Anushree, with the season's six finalists, Ashmith, Achinthya Rai, Mahanya, Harrush, Jayalakshmi and Avyukth, competing across a two-stage musical showdown for the title.
Ashmith emerged as the season's champion, taking home the winner's trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh. His performance of "Shivashankari... Shivananda Lahari" during the second round of the finale is credited as one of the standout moments that sealed his win with both the judges and the audience.
What made the result even sweeter for the coastal city was that Mangaluru did not just produce the winner. Fellow Mangaluru contestant Achinthya Rai finished as first runner-up, taking home Rs 15 lakh and a trophy of his own, giving the city what local media described as a "double dhamaka," two of its own occupying the top two positions on one of Karnataka's most competitive musical stages.
Table: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Kannada 2026 — Grand Finale Results
| Position | Contestant | Prize |
| Winner | Ashmith (Mangaluru) | Trophy + Rs 20 lakh |
| First Runner-up | Achinthya Rai (Mangaluru) | Trophy + Rs 15 lakh |
| Second Runner-up | Mahanya | — |
The Voice, and the Violin
Ashmith's run through the season was built on more than a strong vocal range. Trained under the guidance of singer Indu Nagaraj, he consistently delivered performances that judges and viewers responded to across the show's several-month run. He also brought an additional dimension to his stage presence by showcasing his violin skills alongside his singing, a combination that helped him build a strong fan base well before the finale.
The season itself, judged by Rajesh Krishnan, Arjun Janya and Vijay Prakash, premiered on Zee Kannada on April 18, 2026, and drew young singing talent from across Karnataka, with contestants across the audition and selection rounds ranging in age from roughly three to fifteen.
From a finalist spot in a children's talent show to lifting one of Karnataka's biggest musical reality show trophies, the arc of Ashmith's journey has been steady rather than sudden.
Not His First Stage
This was not Ashmith's first brush with competitive performance. He was previously a finalist in Daijiworld Junior Celebrity, a talent show organised exclusively for children, in 2022. That earlier experience appears to have laid the groundwork for the composure and stage presence he carried into a considerably bigger, statewide platform four years later.
What This Means for Mangaluru
Cities often measure musical pride through their concert halls or long-running cultural institutions. This year, Mangaluru got a different kind of marker: two of its own children, competing against dozens of contestants from across Karnataka, ending up as the top two performers on a show watched across the state. For a city that already prides itself on Yakshagana, classical music circles and a deep community of amateur performers, Ashmith's win, alongside Achinthya Rai's runner-up finish, is a reminder that the coast's musical talent keeps renewing itself, one generation at a time.
FAQ
Who won Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Kannada 2026?
Ashmith, a young singer from Mangaluru, won the season, taking home the winner's trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh.
Who was the runner-up on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Kannada 2026?
Achinthya Rai, also from Mangaluru, finished as first runner-up, winning Rs 15 lakh and a trophy. Mahanya was named second runner-up.
When did the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs 2026 grand finale air?
The two-day grand finale aired on August 22 and 23, 2026, on Zee Kannada, hosted by actress Anushree.
Who mentored Ashmith on the show?
Ashmith was trained under the guidance of singer Indu Nagaraj throughout the season.
Does Ashmith have any other musical talents besides singing?
Yes. Alongside his vocal performances, Ashmith also showcased his skills on the violin during the season.
Has Ashmith competed in any talent shows before Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs?
Yes. He was a finalist in Daijiworld Junior Celebrity, a talent show for children, in 2022.
Who were the judges of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Kannada 2026?
The season was judged by Rajesh Krishnan, Arjun Janya and Vijay Prakash.