Bhaichung Bhutia has walked away with the covetted prize of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' Season 3 winner on Sony Entertainment Television Asia.

Bhutia, who was one of the weaker contenders when the show began three months ago, beat model Gauhar Khan and actor Karan Grover to win the Rs.4 million prize money as well as the audience’s adulation.

His victory has not only been backed by improved performance, but also by the SMS frenzy in his home state of Sikkim.

Bhutia was recently slapped with a show-cause notice by Mohun Bagan, the club for which he plays football, for missing their practice sessions.

But he went on to perfect his dance moves for 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'.

The special episode was a glitzy event with performances from the participants, choreographers as well as celebrity guests, actors Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat.

Report from IANS