Fame X – Chal Udiye has been a surprise. I had not expected it to be this good. The greatest deal of this show is the way the contestants interact with each other, the way Daler Mehndi does not mince words when he delivers his critique and most importantly, some amazing talents. Two weeks down, we are back with the gang taking a trip down the memory lane on the third concert episode of Fame X – Chal Udiye.
As usual the show started with Fame Kudi Sophie Choudhary welcoming the viewers to the show. She introduced the judges, Daler Mehndi, Cyrus Broacha and Arshad Warsi, who substituted for Ganesh Hegde. I love Arshad – so I hope he replaces Ganesh. Sophie also introduced us to the dean of Fame Academy – Dr. Palash Sen and Sowmya Raoh. Trivia Time – Palash besides being a singer is actually a doctor by profession.
Performances
Rehaan Khan
Starting the performances was Rehaan Khan. You know I love this guy, he is cool, he is funny and most importantly he can sing. Rehaan sang one of my favourite numbers, title track of “Hum Kissi Se Kaam Nahin” and did amazing well. What I loved about him was the fact that he did not imitate anyone. He brought his own flavour to this Qawwali number. Only thing that was distracting was the fact that his dupatta thingy had a mind of its own and for some moments I thought that it might hinder the performance, but he took care of it and it was a great start. I don’t hesitate giving him 9 / 10!
Critique
Daler loved it; he said that the judges expect a good performance with great singing. Arshad thought that Rehaan was an actor rather than a rock star – performer. Rehaan asked for a hug Munnabhai style and got a hug and rock star compliment. Cyrus thought that Rehaan was both an actor and a rock star and wondered about his stupid bandana, which apparently is Rehaan’s style. There goes my hope of seeing Rehaan minus that bandana.
Sowmya was pleased and said he proved with the performance that “Hum Kissi Se Kaam Nahin”. Palash congratulated Rehaan’s visibly emotional parents and stated he was proud of Rehaan.
Anandrupa Bagchi
Next, the drama queen Anandrupa Bagchi graced us with her presence. You know this drama queen title made me think, how appropriate it was to call Rohit DQ – birds of the same feathers do flock together, don’t they? I am sure that Anandi (which is short for her name) liked Rohit, but I wonder if all that drama was just for attention. Rohit – God bless him – was not a conventionally attractive fellow, but he was one of the controversial characters. So association with him did get her lot of airtime. So it makes one think, doesn’t it? Ok, let me not get carried away with my bitchiness.
Trivia Time – Anandi is a name of a Raga, which is more popularly known as Nand
Anandi zeroed in on “Parde Mein Rehne Do” – it was a good performance. She was in tune for the majority of the performance, I think she had a little trouble with her veil in the beginning, but that’s inconsequential. It was smooth sailing and I give her 8 / 10!
Critique
Daler informed her that her performance was good and she went out of tune once or twice, which made no difference. Arshad loved her expressions and especially her mischievous demeanour. Cyrus reduced the poor gal to a happy banyan (is that right?), seriously, she did not know where to look. It was funny because it was so stupid! Cyrus added that she had a positive vibe.
Palash stated that he knew how the ouster of Rohit has affected Anandi and hence one must give her a great applause for performing so well. All the while, Anandi is shaking her head as if to state, “Don’t disclose my secrets!” Honey! We know! Sowmya said that Anandi was one of the best singers in the academy.
Samrat Rajdeep (Sammy)
Samrat Rajdeep (Sammy) came on stage on a bike, I kid you not! Sammy decided that he will sing – “Bin Tere Sanam”, ok, fine! Why in god’s name was he singing the way he was singing? I mean he was repressing his voice and singing weirdly. He was going in and out of tune. It was not my favourite performance from Sammy. Sammy decided to dedicate the song to someone and that someone turned out to be Arunima. I give him 5 / 10!
Critique
Daler said that though Sammy has good performance skills, he has to concentrate on singing in tune. Dedicating stuff to someone at this stage is a little premature. Arshad definitely thought that Sammy had the X Factor and commented on how Sammy hikes his pants – something I missed noticing. Cyrus asked Sammy what his biggest mistake was when he started the performance. Sammy answered that maybe it was his singing. Cyrus said, “No, you rode a bike minus a helmet – that’s a crime!” Can I say, “Oy!” I just did!
Palash tried his best to defend Sammy’s affections but Daler interjected leading to a mini argument in which Daler said that affection and love should be expressed in tuneful singing. Daler and Palash – they fight more than Simon and Paula!
Trivia Time –Arunima (though sporting) did not like this attention!
Jyotika Sharma
Jyotika Sharma came on the stage with a bicycle to sing, “Oh Mere Sona Re”. Now, one must realize, this is one of the best songs Asha Bhosle has ever rendered, so to attempt this song is nothing short of a major risk, because your flaws are immediately scrutinized. Jyotika looked cute as always, but her voice had a tremor – which can be a product of nervousness – I don’t know. Although, she did a decent job, there was something missing. And though she had her youth working for her, she could not deliver the needed punch. I give her 6 / 10.
Trivia Time – I have one of the biggest crushes on Jyotika!
Critique
Daler said Jyotika had a nice voice, but like Sammy she too goes out of tune. So she should take care of that! Arshad said that he had no idea if he should listen to her or take her home. Jyotika said, “Well, take me home, I will sing there!” Smart cookie! He said that if she would have expressed a bit more, the performance would have been even better. Cyrus gave her well played! That’s it? Ok then…
Sowmya said that this song was very different for Jyotika’s style and she did a good job.
Alok Chaubey
Next in line was Alok Chaubey, who started the song with a guitar – he obviously did not play it, but there you go. Alok sang, “Kya Huva Tera Waada”. Oh my word, he slipped out of tune so many times that it is not even funny. I guess he was a victim of nerves, but he sort of blew it. I think he just wanted to get it over with, and he did! Also, who chose his clothes? I give him 4 / 10!
Critique
Daler said clothes can be bought, look can be created, but you either can sing in tune or you can’t. And to sing in tune, you need lots of practice. Alok was out of tune. Arshad thought that either Alok had low confidence or he tried to cover that by doing something else. Cyrus gave one of the most idiotic critiques, which I am not going to cover!
Palash agreed that Alok messed up and said there were no excuses.
Priyanka Purohit
Priyanka Purohit came next and though it may sound really rude, I wish she hadn’t! Priyanka decided that she will try to sing, “Baahonme Chale Aao” and failed miserably. The track was going someplace and Priyanka was going someplace. There was no connection. The problem was the tempo; she was going slower than the original. The worst part was that she was not at all in tune. She ruined one of my favourites and that’s not right. I give her 3 / 10!
Critique
Arshad thought her stage presence was good. Cyrus thought she brought back the essence of bygone days. Daler did not waste his breath and said that her tune had no support and said she needs to be tune if she wants to remain in the competition.
Palash thought that Priyanka’s attempt made the judges gape! Yeah right! They were gaping at her murdering a great song!
Ritu Pathak
Enter the crazy Ritu Pathak – crazy is a term of affection here, just in case someone wants to attack verbally. Ritu started singing “Aur Is Dil Mein” with like hundred red and white heart shaped balloons. Ritu has a nice texture to her voice; does that mean she can flawlessly? Answer is no! Few pitch problems here and there, but on the whole it was a good performance. I give her 8 / 10!
Critique
Arshad said that she had her own personality, style and she has to work harder for that to shine even brighter. Cyrus said that her vibe was fantastic. Daler loved it and I think he was getting tired of telling people how tuneless they were, over and over again. So he mentioned it in passing!
Sowmya said that Ritu sang beautifully and she enjoyed it. Palash said he was proud of Ritu.
Rakesh Sharma
Rakesh Sharma received a letter from his wife before he started “Chitthi Aayi Hai”! Trivia Time - This is a song that reduces each and every NRI to tears, not to mention the Indians. The lyrics are just beautiful. Rakesh is a good imitator, he started in Pankaj Udhas mode and things were fine and then he opened the letter and moved to the second stanza and I have no clue what happened, he went totally nasal. I guess he got emotional, but to say he was out of tune would be understatement. It was like two people singing a duet, the first one was good and the second one was trying to be good and not succeeding. I give him 6 / 10!
Critique
Arshad loved it and said he had no complains. Daler harped on the fact that Rakesh went out of tune and the second stanza went astray.
Palash agreed with Daler – Gasp!
Vidhhan Pandey
I had supported Vidhhan Pandey last week, thinking that the second chance might bring the best out of him, but alas, that was wishful thinking. Vidhhan gave an amateurish performance of “Saara Zamanaa”, I can sing better than him and I am tone-deaf (well not really). He was totally out of tune and his glares made him look like a tool – sorry to say! And worst part was the fact that he actually forgot the lyrics. Unacceptable! I give him 3 / 10.
Critique
Ok, worst critique ever! Arshad said that Vidhhan’s body language was not good and that he had to work on it. Daler was literally disappointed and told Vidhhan that he was out of tune throughout.
Palash tried to defend Vidhhan with some cricket analogy. Great! And I have no idea what it meant!
Aditya Jassi
Next in line was Aditya Jassi from Delhi, this kid is… well a kid. After listening to him for like three weeks, I am sorry to say, he is not a good singer, even if that makes me a moron. At least, this moron can differentiate between looks and singing! He is an amazing performer, but his singing has a long way to go before it catches up. Aditya started with, “Meri Umaar Ke - Om Shanti Om” and the problem is that he speak-sings, if one understands what I mean! Due to this problem, the subtleties go for a toss. Also the unnecessary screams break the performance rather than make it. I give him 5 / 10!
Critique
Arshad believed that Aditya had loads of X Factor and Cyrus wanted to know what animal Aditya loves – obviously it was Bakra! Yeah, it’s as funny as me breaking my toenail! Daler practically called him – Tone Deaf! OUCH!
Palash tried to defend Aditya by bringing in Aditya’s Rock background leading to another argument.
Ashutosh Jain
I was shocked, when I saw Ashutosh Jain’s costume. What were they thinking? If they tell me that was a men’s top, I am going to check in a mental hospital. Seriously, if I were Mr Blackwell, I would ban that top. Sorry Ashutosh, I am sure you had no say! I hope! Ashutosh presented “Parda Hai” and though I like him, I was not impressed. I wasn’t sure what was missing, but it was like a mediocre performance. I guess my expectations were high and he hit too many bum notes. At times, he sounded like a scratched record. I am sorry, but I give him 6 / 10 and I am being generous here!
Critique
Arshad said that Ashutosh had boyish charm and he should use that to his advantage. Cyrus loved his performance for sentimental reasons. Daler loved Ashutosh’s X factor, his dress (puke) and thought he performed brilliantly. Huh? So what the heck did I miss? Well, I may be wrong!
Sowmya liked his performance as she thought it was challenging enough.
Arunima Bhattacharya
We come to the pleasant performance (according to me) of the evening. Last week, I had panned Arunima Bhattacharya, but this week, she did a great job. Was she flawless? heck no! She still goes shrill in upper register, but of all the performances barring Rehaan and Anandi – this performance came as breathe of fresh air. She gave her best performance so far in the competition. She looked rather beautiful and elegantly classy in the sari. The judges were so pleased that they were on their feet by the time the performance was over. I give her 9 / 10 – surprising, I know!
Trivia Time – I know of someone who had multiple orgasms listening to this song!
Critique
Arshad loved everything about her. Cyrus asked her who she’d choose as her partner and she replied Palash! Clever gal! I noticed something about Daler, when he loves something, he resembles a small baby. All gleeful! I love that look! He loved everything about Arunima.
Sowmya said that Arunima getting the praise was like academy getting the praise.
Neethi Nair
Neethi Nair went cabaret with “Laila O Laila”, for a little gal, she sure has a big voice. It was great performance. I hate the boa though, but I guess that’s of no consequence. There is hardly anything left to add. I give her 9 / 10 as well.
Critique
Arshad loved her, loved everything about her and thought that she was fantastic. Cyrus said that everything about Neethi could be summed up in one word, “Sexy”! Daler threw her a googly (help, I am quoting cricket!) and said that she sang beautifully.
Neethi dedicated her performance to her dad and her posse.
Sowmya said she enjoyed her performance and also added that she was very good as always! Palash had no words for her (in a good way)!
Priyadarshi Banerjee
Last, but not the least, Uttam, my dearest had forewarned me that Priyadarshi Banerjee AKA Banjo would be performing Panchamda’s immortal song, “Mehbooba Mehbooba” and to tell you the truth, I loved it. I love Banjo, he is Silly Billy, but there is something about him that makes him very endearing. It helped that he sang in tune. Anandi joined him on stage to perform the part of Helen. She is no Helen though. But it was a great performance nonetheless. I give him 8 / 10!
Critique
Arshad complained that Banjo did not smile. Cyrus asked him to call Ram Gopal Verma and tell him that he was free to sing for his Sholay! Yeah that’s happening! Daler said that Banjo gets song that suits his voice and that he sings / performs well, but he should perform even better and added that Banjo messed up four times.
Sowmya said that if Banjo messed up four times, he passes. Banjo lamed Anandi for causing the distraction. Palash said that Banjo performed with feeling like all the contestants and they deserved applause.
Results
Sophie informed us that the jury had decided to send five contestants instead of four in the Danger Zone.
Daler asked the contestants to take the stage.
Aditya Jassi, Jyotika Sharma, Priyanka Purohit, Vidhhan Pandey and Alok Chaubey all landed up in the Danger Zone.
Aditya, Jyotika and Vidhhan landed in the Danger Zone twice.
Jyotika could not help hide her sadness, disappointment and shock.
Sowmya was shocked to see Jyotika in the Danger Zone, while Palash thought it was a fair choice.
The faculty saved Priyanka with the reason that hers was the first trip in Danger Zone. I don’t understand something, Jyotika sang much better than Priyanka and even last week, faculty saved Anandi, not her. So I thought it was a little unfair, looking only at the performances.
Priyanka returned to the Safe Zone, leaving a crying Jyotika behind.
Who did the contestants save? Uttam will tell you in a bit!
The reason why this recap was delayed was because the nearly finished first draft got whipped out and I had to start from the scratch! It happens!
