This week, Indian Idol reveled in the presence of the queen of folk songs, Ila Arun. To commemorate her presence, this week’s theme was folk songs. And what a gala it was! This was, perhaps, one of the most enjoyable shows in the Gala round so far. I’m just going to cut straight to the chase.
My favorite contestant, Mr. One-Man-Masti-Ki-Paathshaala kicked off the show. I really do want to take him home. He’s so adorable! Mini ain’t kidding when she calls him India’s Sweetheart. He really is!
Emon Chatterjee – Teri Deewani
Emon started the show with a almost-perfect rendition of Kailash Kher’s Teri Deewani. Emon seems to have found his center again, meaning that for a few weeks, he seemed to wane from who he really was. He seemed to lose focus. That focus is what kept him so successful in the Piano Rounds. I’m glad he has this focus back because he has once again began to give consistently fabulous performances.
He sang this song with a lot of skill and a great deal of concentration. So maybe the judges were right, he needed a little more feeling - but, whatever. In my opinion, it was one of the best performances of the night. The audience thought so too because they kept chanting “Once more…”
Javed Akhtar: I agree with Ilaji - he needed a little more feel and passion. But as long as technicality is concerned, he sang well.
Ilaji: "This is the first time I’m seeing you and you look like a young Sonu Nigam! You were technically perfect but you were missing the passion that this song requires."
Udit Narayan: "You’ve sang so well that the public has responded."
Alisha Chinai: "I’ve run out of words to praise this boy. Your voice is out of this world."
Anu Malik: "I disagree with Ilaji. For me, my playback singer is born. You’ve sang every type of song and for me, this is complete singing."
Deepa’s Rating: 10/10
Prashant Tamang– Rind Posh Maal
This song is on repeat on my iPod so you can bet that I was listening carefully. After Prashant’s last several performances, I was waiting for one screw-up so I could write him off as not being Idol material. The end result was good and bad. Now here’s the thing—this song suits Prashant well. He picked the proper song. Had he been trained in classical song, he would have fulfilled this song better than Karunya from last year. However, his imperfections were really evident here and he did go out of tune in several noticeable places.
But overall, he did well. I would, however, like to see him go soon. The other contestants are much better than him.
Javedsaab: "You sang well. Until now, only the people for Darjeeling and Calcutta have been saving you. This time, all of India will save you."
Ilaji: She made a beautiful reference to Darjeeling tea and Kashmir and mangoes which is way too hard to put into English, but she liked the performance.
Uditji: "For the last two performances, I kept thinking that Prashant is done. But today, you’re back in mood (whatever that means!)"
Alisha: "Your voice was beautiful. You’re back!"
Anuji: "The way the judges have praised you, I don’t agree with it. (He then walked on to the stage). The way you’ve sang today…you sang so well! I had to get out of my seat and come here!"
Deepa’s Rating: 7/10
Deepali – Nimbooda
Okay, whew. I’ve been dreading this for a while. Deepali might seriously be the one to go tomorrow, and here’s why. First of all, it was the wrong song choice. Because the theme is folk songs, she could have picked so many beautiful ones but she chose this one. Not good! Second, she sang it well, but she was lacking the energy of this song. Sure, she danced a bit but it wasn’t enough. She could have taken this song to a whole new level but she didn’t take advantage of this opportunity. I think this is one of her weakest performances. And she’s one of my favorite contestants so it makes me sad to say this! Sorry!
Javedsaab: "Anuji’s record is fool-proof. Whoever he yells at always sings well."
Ilaji: "This is a Rajasthani song. You kept your breathing controlled while still maintaining the sweetness of this song."
Uditji: "You set the stage on fire."
Alisha: "You look like a princess. I can see you have your confidence back."
Anuji: "The way you danced, moved, and kept your breath control, I have never seen that in any of the seasons. When you did the dance step, I heard Alisha say “Oh my God” because you danced, sang in tune, and sang well. Outstanding singing and you’re back with bang!"
Deepa’s Rating: 6/10
Abhishek Kumar – Rang De Basanti
Okay, I don’t even wanna talk about this. Abhishek should know his own limitations. "Rang De Basanti"? Not his cup of tea. What a waste of a performance!
Javedsaab: "If you had sung this song on a higher scale, it would have been better. It seemed restricted when you sang in this key."
Ilaji: "I really liked your liveliness. You’re not Punjabi but you captured the feel of the song and danced well. I appreciate that."
Uditji: "I thought that you should have sung on a higher scale as well."
Alisha: "Agreed with Javedsaab. I think you sang well and your body language is good, but you lacked the complete abandon with which you have to sing this song."
Anuji: "We are talking about scale, but no matter what scale you sing in, you have to be in sur. You weren’t. I’m not happy."
Deepa’s Rating: 4/10
Puja Chatterjee – Ni Main Samajh Gayi
For me, Puja and Emon are neck and neck in terms of talent and voice. This was the other awesome performance of the night (after Emon’s). Puja sang the song with such depth and skill that she really cemented the fact that she has what it takes to be where she is now. I also think that with this song, she has an edge over Deepali, and a definite advantage over Ankita. It was an amazing performance!
Javedsaab: "I don’t believe in superstition, but Puja, “Aaj tu apni nazar utaarle.” "
Ilaji: "Puja, I’d like to say that you reminded me of Reshma, with the maturity and depth in your voice."
Uditji: "At least Anuji is praising him, no matter how hard it is for him."
Alisha: Standing ovation.
Anuji: "In my career, I have never seen a singer who has made me cry. You made me cry today. I already said that Emon is playback singer material. Now I’m saying that you are too. You sang so well. You have such a unique voice that you made me cry. I’m so proud to have you here. It was effortless."
Deepa’s Rating: 10/10
Amit Paul – Omkara
You can forgive a person once for forgetting the lyrics, but you can’t do it repeatedly. However, this goof-up was definitely not as bad as his first one and he did a pretty decent job of covering it up. Nevertheless, it was still noticeable and I was not impressed. He could have just covered it and picked up the rest of the song, but he got distracted and the rest of his song suffered. Overall, he did a decent job, but definitely not his best. It is, however, probably enough to keep him in the game.
Javedsaab: "I didn’t notice that he forgot his lines. I was lost in his voice. No matter what anyone says, you have a magical voice."
Ilaji: "When Javedsaab loves someone, he doesn’t see their faults. So for a writer to overlook the fact that you forgot the lyrics must mean that he really likes you. I really like your voice, which I had heard in last week’s episode. You really are the find of Indian Idol. But today I felt that you are more suited to soft songs and need to work more on folk songs."
Uditji: "I don’t agree with Javedsaab or Anuji. I agree with Ilaji. Amit, you picked the wrong song and you were worried about singing it wrongly." (Anuji here didn’t agree, of course)
Alisha: "Anuji is totally blinded. He has not given the totally mind-blowing performance for folk singing."
Anuji: "I don’t know why I’m not agreeing with Ilaji today. I think that he shouldn’t be categorized. To me you’re a complete singer and the find of Indian Idol." (Then he proceeded to argue with Ilaji. What a cocky *!)
Deepa’s Rating: 7.5/10
Ankita Mishra – Main Aayi Hu UP Bihar Lootne
Ankita’s song selection was spot on considering that Ila Arun was the guest star. She was her usual consistent self, with so-so singing and an awesome performance. We all know that she does something different every time. She may not be playback material, but I’ll bet people are lining up to sign her for live shows and stuff. She did go off-tune in several places. In some, she was too sharp, in others she was too flat. But since when have we started watching Ankita for her singing, anyway?
Javedsaab: "This is a song that requires nautanki, which was missing. But you were really good today."
Ilaji: "I really liked you. When I watched your performance and heard you sing, you did it well." (The rest was unintelligible for me, for some reason. But I’m sure she was saying something valuable).
Uditji: "Ankita has performed well. Singing was okay."
Alisha: "All your mistakes are forgiven. It was mindblowing."
Anuji: "I would request you to focus more on sur, but for me, again today, you were outstanding."
Deepa’s Rating: 7/10
Meiyang Chang – Rut Aa Gayee Re
This was a solid performance. In the last few weeks, Chang has been slipping. With this performance, he finally gave everyone a reason to breathe a sigh of relief. He was really good!
Javedsaab: "He reminded me of Sachin Tendulkar, who slipped in the middle but came back with a century."
Ilaji: "First, I would like to say that you look very handsome. Second, you’ve performed so well. Hat's off to you!"
Uditji: " Today, Chang sang so well that I’m wondering if he won’t become Indian Idol."
Alisha: "You are such a natural. You rocked today. His voice is the most unusual and original voice."
Anuji: "I’m not surprised, actually. I like to stick my neck out for people I love, and respect, and admire. Chang, you proved me right. I knew you would sing well and you did!"
Deepa’s Rating: 8.5/10
So there you have it, folks. This week, my bottom four would be Abhishek, Prashant, Deepali, and Ankita. My prediction for elimination: Abhishek or Deepali. Sprout’s elimination prediction: Abhishek.
Now for my shameless plug: Keep your fingers crossed for Deepali! Send her your votes!
Thanks Deepa. Sorry I didn't know the format, but I guess it is always fun covering II3 episodes, regardless. By the way, could you delete my repeated posts leaving only one copy of my review--sorry, somehow couldn't manage to delete the others!! They are multiplying like clones..hehehe. So, I have taken up your suggestion and applied for being an editor. I hope I can work with you on writing up some of the II3 reviews.
i guess this week .. abhishek might have to leave ... deepali wont leave .. infact i disagree with deepa 's comments on deepali .. it was a rajasthani folk song as said by ila ji ... so i guess u wer wrong on that part ... well ny ways .. i guess abhishek will have to leave tonight ... nd deepali has a long way to go ...
She is an average looker, average performer and an above average singer. She comes across as a little too full of herself on the Roobaroo show. Her so called love connection with Chang also seems cheesy and pretentious.
Puja, Amit and Emon are far more talented in singing and Ankita is a much better performer.
I think amits perf suff coz he sang the song without und the lyrics (hence the lack of feel n nergy)…it was like he had mugged up the words and all thru the perf he looked uncomf…like he was tryin to remember the nxt line…only towards the end did he relax n loosen up n the 2nd half was def good….i don’t agree with ila arun & co that his voice is not suited to this song or that he sang it very badly(not up to his earlier perf but not so bad also…had he been confident abt the lyrics his perf wud have been up there …agree with javed ji – amazing voice (I thot it was sweet how he tried to give amit a positive comment even thou he did not like the perf too much but did not want to give a neg comment…me thinks he felt that amit cud get eliminated after this perf)
Amits goin to make it thru this time def but I really don’t know how long the pub is goin to supp him if this cont….( hes got my votes 4 a life time…unfortunately most don’t think this way…)
Not the best perf of the eve (puja was the best…then emon) but def not the worst also
im eagerly waitin 4 his usual outstanding, relaxed confident perf in the nxt gala…
PS abhishek or deepali shud go
Did not like this review....it seemed quick and prefunctory...at the very base level the judges comments were out of order from the show and did not flow. Forget the contestants, I give Deepa 5/10. I want something similar to last week from Sprout.....too many details were missing....like Emon dedicated his song to Parleen, Puha for example sang the quinty Punjabi Song...Ankita's word.....this was a quick hash job. And I don't mean to be harsh since I have loved Deepa's review in the past. This time I am doing a cut and paste job since at the last D review my comments disappeared when I disagreed!!! NO CENSORSHIP!!
That was one good review. But will not agree with Deepali's rating. She did sing well and I felt that it is tough to make justice to a song like Nimbooda. I was impressed by the way she sang it. I agree that Emon and Puja were very good. But after Emon,Puja, I will keep Chang and Deepali as I felt they were the next best. Abhishek is definitely leaving tomorrow and it is a clear elimination.
Hey SPROUT where are you buddy????This week's recap wasnt up to the mark....MAZA NAHIN AYAA....Details were missing....like recap was written in hurry....I tottaly agree with ItemGirl...Where are you????We all want & love to read reviews written by you..Im addicted..really
hey, I had no idea that the rumours would be true for the Bottom 4. It was not intended to be a spoiler, but more like a conjecture and I just threw it out there based on elimination predictions made by others...how would I know that those predictions would be proven dead right! It was quite shocking for me as well.
Sorry Sprout and Deepa, but I had no idea those predictions would turn out to be true!!! I felt quite bad seeing the spoiler tag attached to my post--really, I would not violate any forum terms intentionally
edit: Sprout - 2007-08-04 07:48:26 GMT - spoiler tag
edit: Rima - 2007-08-04 17:13:59 GMT - edit: Rima - 2007-08-04 17:15:25 GMT -
Great review Deepa....I agree with your comments on bottom 2: Deepali & Abhishek, and also agree (although very sad abt it) that Deepali would be going home. Here's why I think she will be going home: Emon & Puja are untouchable in this episode (their performances were the best); Chang & Prashant has very good fan base they are thru automatically; Amit will be saved b/c of the previous performance and Ankita as usual will be saved b/c of that deceiving performance but not singing; that leaves Abhishek & Deepali; Deepali might be out b/c she really doesnt have that great fan base.
I agree w/ Ila arun & co abt amit choosing song that does not suit his voice. I was right on money last wk when i wrote amit is choosing his song very carefully and he is choosing slow songs and that suits his voice. I might be stepping on alot of toes by saying this but I am also big fan of amit & would like him to be in Top3 w/ Emon & Deepali, but it would not surprise if he gets kicked out if he keep choosing songs like that.
Anyway, I still stand by my opinion that ANKITA will be the winner of II3 although I dont like her i see that people r blinded by her performance.
You write perfectly well !! You dont even have to bother abt being so polite..almost second-fiddle to the sprouts and the deepa's and the rest of the lot !! Demand your place !!!
I think it is best to wait for the results. I have heard rumours (often claimed to be confirmed news) that such and such participant has been shown the red light. Bottom 4 rumored to be:
1. Emon: gasps..oh well, this is II3 after all
2. Puja: greater gasps...okie, okie, again reality shows ppl:(
3. Ankita: mama mia..hehhe, well if the first two can make it, then so can she
4. Abhishek: this comes as no suprise...umm mild yawns
Suspected to be kicked out: Abhishek
if so, tomorrow's episode was highly predictable, for me at least. Sad for Abhishek nonetheless
First of all I would like to thank the team for getting these reviews quickly. It does not really matter who does the reviews, as long as Sprout does them!
In my opinion Emon was the best in this gala. He really touches one with his performances (not to mention range, versatile singing and the charming smile).
E-electrifying
M-masterful
O-outstanding
N-natural
Puja was fantastic in terms of her range and voice (especially these type of songs). Keep up the good work).
I somewhat disagree as far as Prashant is concerned. I think he was fairly good in this gala. He should be given his due where it deserves.
Chang and Deepali were also good.
That leaves Amit, Ankita and Abhishek.
Amit-could have been better (considering what he has done before so we have high standards for him, and one of my favourites). I did not have issues with his singing (nevermind the lyrics) but do feel somewhat that the selection of the song was not right. Amit, this is getting critical now. Any small mistake, and even the best can be out! (you know that), so my advise is keep up the good singing but choose songs intellegently (and perhaps with a different range, if you have the confidence to carry them off).
Ankita: I think she sang well but to me it did not seem an effortless performance. Always feel she is making an effort in terms of singing and performance. So I feel somewhat ambivalent as far as Ankita is concerned
Abhishek: Sadly he was out of "sur" in this song. Agreed, this is a difficult song, however, at this stage choosing songs intellegently will make all the difference.
Finally Udit ji's comment on Emon cracked me up (if you don't sing well you'll become geography!").
It would be great to have an Emon Amit duel in the final if wishes were horses).
I was actually expecting Prashant to walk out of the show because his singing wasn't improving at all. And him being on the show looked wrong. But watching yesterday's performance, I'm double minded now. I wouldn't really mind if he went home tho.
I really liked Chang's song. He always used to do sth with the songs but yesterday wasn;t like that. I think he sang the song as it is and it was good.
Puja sang relly well. It helps that she is trained to song a song like that.
I didn't like Amit and Abhisekh's songs much. Ankita's was alright, not as good as Deepali.
When all the contestants finished singin, I felt like sth was missing. It was probably Parleen. :(
Finally, I think in the next Roobaroo, maybe they should put barriers around the stage so that the audiences can't go on stage because this time a lot of the girls might have been encouraged and maybe be planning to do sth like last weeks. LOL
Thank you for the review. However, this time around I feel that rather than the single performance your ration is based on preconceived notion of the contestants.
I dont know why judges keep on praising Ankita. Even though I dont understand these sur, taal I dont feel like listening to Ankita and I think she is the one who has to go out.
Hi folks,
Thanks a lot for the recap Deepa! I`ve always liked sprout`s post as they`re detailed and riddled with hilarous phrases and emotional comments about the show. This review was different, concise and to the point and very journalistic.
The show itself was a revelation of sorts for me.
Finally I was able to catch a glimpse of Amit`s range with the omkara song. Overall i thought he did a good job, but there was this bit where he had to go high where he really messed up. but once again he was quick to cover it up with competant singing. But with this performance i am convinced Amit`s solid voice won`t be enough to catch Emon`s talent, versatility and range. Emon`s performance as usual was outstanding. I think so far the only performance i of his i didn`t enjoy so far was the "khaike paan banaras wala" song during anu malik`s insanity fit.
The second revelation was puja who gave a mind blowing performance. I`ve never heard the song before but her voice quality was simply superb and i`m scrambling to download this song. I notice this girl has been quite adventurous in her song selections at the expense of receiving flak from the judges who somehow chose to magnify her small mistakes while ignoring ginormous lapses by other less talented singers. I think she`s the only one in this lot who can give Emon a run for his money in terms of singing talent.
In my opinion, this is weaponry (relative of course) each contestant carries to win this battle:
Emon: Exceptional, versatile, disciplined singing talent. The best singer.
Puja: Exceptional singing talent, great voice, courage and drive to suceed.
Amit: Exceptional singing talent, great voice and drive to suceed.
Ankita: Performance, Javed Akhtar and Anu Malik.
Prashant: A solid voters base ( i don`t know how? or why?).
Chang: His unconventional oriental looks? (i have serious doubts about his singing talents.).
Deepali: A rather sweet voice. controlled singer
Abhishek: nothing
Hence Abhishek should get kicked off this time. As the field narrows I`m beginning to get the jitters as i feel (in complete agreement to Deepa) that prashant might win the title. He seems to have the right imperfections in his singing abilites as well as the right (dedicated) voter crowd to join Abhijeet and Sandeep. Hope i`m proved wrong.
Hi Sprout,Abhishek Kumar has been voted out today....I think Im the first one to break this news....Atleast I should expect a Thanks from your side....Waiting....
