"I was not at all expecting to win the show because there were other very talented contestants. So, the final result came as a happy surprise for me," Suleiman told PTI in an interview.
The 13-year-old flautist, who is the disciple of the maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, said the win was sweeter because in a show, where generally dancers and singers are declared winners, a contestant's ability to play an instrument was recognised.
Talking about his own favourite performance in the competition, Suleiman said that the one he gave on the song "Mujh me tu" in front of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was special.
"The performance I gave in front of Salman sir was the best one as the compliments I received from him saying, 'I will go a very long way and will earn a lot of praise' filled me with immense happiness," said the young artist, who hails from Amritsar, Punjab.
More From This Section
Suleiman said that the judges were very cordial, loving and caring towards him throughout the show.
"The judges loved me a lot. They always motivated me to do well. Kirron ma'am treated me just like a son and even wanted to take me home. All the judges were very loving."
Besides Kher, the Colors show is judged by Malaika Arora Khan and Karan Johar.
Motivating and cheering the outstanding performances put forth by the finalists were Anil Kapoor, who came to promote second season of "24", and the "Dishoom" cast including Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and John Abraham.