After the Independence Day Gala round this week (featuring Anil Kapoor as guest judge), it is time for another nail-biting Elimination round. Even before the episode was aired, I had my choices for the Bottom 2. Undoubtedly, Ankita Mishra and Puja Chatterjee. No real suprise there, considering Ankita and Puja received the harshest comments from the judges' and thus it was definitely bound to be (in my mind) a tug of war between the two!
Boy, did I get a hit with a bucket of cold water! But before getting to the results, here's how the show started out:
Welcome Back, Kailash Kher *****************************
So, the episode started with a amazing performance by none other than Kailash Kher (many would remember him as the fourth judge during the audition rounds). Kailash sang his heart out with the song "Saajna" from his new album and it was a true blue performance by Mr. Kher and his group Kailasa. The crowds and the judges were ecstatic after Kailash took a bow.
Then Mr. Kher went on to console the tensed participants by reminding them that this is only a platform and it doesn't matter who wins or loses. Following Kailash's depature, Mini announced that with the impending eliminations certain fissures have developed within the previously tightly knit Idol contestants.
Ankita in tears! ********************
We see a clip of Ankita conversing with the music director, I believe, for we are just shown the back of his head, though it could also be Kailash Kher! She is shown visibly upset and in tears over some insensitive comments imparted to her by some of the other contestants. She said she felt all alone, while the other contestants were in a seperate bubble.
In particular, she lamented that after her performance she is often told that her singing was horrendous, though she need not worry for she will keep getting votes, at the expense of some other talented singer! I did feel quite taken back seeing Ankita in tears, and somehow I sensed sincerity in her voice. Any case, it was quite disturbing to see the usually confident and optimistic Anky baby all depressed and broken down.
When asked by the director who among the contestants have told her such mean things, Ankita replied Deepali! Shocking indeed that the usually nice and well-mannered Ms. Deepali would say such things. I, in fact, suspected that it would be Puja Chatterjee who had previously expressed on Idol that Ankita was not a clasically trained singer unlike everyone else in the group etc. Any case, Deepali's name came as a shock.
Mini asked Deepali if she would like clarify anything regarding the allegations. Deepali, in her usual serene self, replied that Ankita often asked her for feedback after her performances, and Deepali merely told her to pay more attention to her singing and a little less on performing, perhaps Ankita had taken offence to that! Really, that was it--seems like quite a harmless piece of advice!
Ankita clarified that when Deepali had criticized her onstage singing after their performance in Ankita's hometown, she felt very hurt as it was a special moment for her performing in front of all her relatives and friends, and obvious she couldn't help but be a tad bit excited. Okay, so, I seriously don't understand who is the guilty party here, but I sincerely feel Ankita has been under a lot of pressure for being such a terrific performer, often times compromising on her vocals.
The Bottom 2 *****************
Well, if the clip left us in a bit of shock, the next piece of news was nothing short of a time bomb--both Ankita and Deepali were in the Bottom 2!
Judges React *****************
Anu Malik felt shocked that these two excellent contestants were placed in the Bottom 2. Though he felt that Ankita leaving Indian Idol would be a huge blow to the show as she is a complete package and the "life" of the show. Malik saab said that for him an Indian Idol needed to be 50% singer and 50% performer.
Alisha countered and said that Indian Idol had to be all about singing. Ummm, Alisha have you forgotten Suhit so soon? Any case, she felt Deepali leaving the show would be completely unjustified. In her eyes, Deepali was always the next female Indian Idol.
Nobody asked Udit ji's opinion. Poor guy, he is always so ignored on II3!
Moving on, Javed ji sided with Alisha and contradicted Anu ji's (50-50 singer performer point) by explaining that this would imply that the judges' were compromising on singing. He took Udit ji's example (at least Udit ji was given some coverage) and said that Udit Narayan was famous for his singing, not his performances. Anu ji of course couldn't help but interrupt Javed saab (even after receiving a "please don't interrupt me" comment) and said that no matter what one says, Ankita was the light ("chiraag") of the show and Javed ji would secretly agree with him on that!
Bottom 3 **************
To join Ankita and Deepali, Mini called upon the third Idol contestant to form the Bottom 3, and it was none other than--Emon Chatterjee! Wow, this took me completely by shock. What is the junta thinking?
The judges pretty much agreed with my astounded "no words" reaction! Anu ji couldn't believe Emon was standing in front of him. Javed ji took this opportunity to drive his point home, noting that Anu ji's suprise at seeing Emon stemmed from the fact that Emon was an excellent singer, not a performer!
Ha!, good one Javed Saab. Though I myself am a bit partial to Anky baby and would probably cry to see her go. Whatever said and done, that girl's got guts and I admire her for that.
Judges Wishlist *******************
The usual routine of who the judges would/would not like to see go, ensued. Here is what they had to say:
Anu ji: Emon needs to stay!
Udit ji: Deepali is a terrific singer, that is all.
Alisha: I would choose Ankita to be voted out. Wow, Alisha has done a complete 360 in my opinion. Javed ji: Deepali will be voted out. She will pay the price of being an excellent singer.
Final Verdict ****************
And the contestant to leave Indian Idol this week was: DEEPALI!
Wow, Javed ji was right. I am beginning to believe Javed ji has some psychic powers, for the last time he predicted Abhishek would be out and his words came true. He is too good with his predictions.
Her Swan Song *******************
Deepali handled her exit with utmost maturity and poise. In fact this was the best exit thus far in Indian Idol and, dare I say, SRGMP history. She was completely in control, no melodrama, nothing. She thanked the judges and the show for giving her such a wonderful opportunity, and then noted that this was just the beginning for her and with the exposure she has received with II3, all she needs to do was keep working harder. Bravo girl! What a trouper:)
Ankita and Emon were distraught. Ankita kept apologizing to Deepli profusely, while Deepali consoled her and told her everything was okay between them. Emon, the poor darling, completely broke down. In fact this was the first time I have seen Emon become so overly emotional. He refused to leave the stage. Ankita also insisted that they stay on stage with Deepali.
Emon then hugged Deepali and simply kept crying saying he would leave the competition. Deepali humored him to stop being such a "nautanki," and that he would ruin her final performance. After much insistence, all the contestants were back in their seats. Oh did I forget, Anu Malik promised Deepali she would sing for him. I highly doubt Mr. Malik's ten thousand promises (as the Backstreet Boys song goes), but oh well at least he cheered her up!
A brief recap of Deepali's journey so far was shown. Deepali said that she was closest to Emon in the group (making sense of Emon's breakdown), for he kept entertaining her throughout their stay. She mentioned that her best moment on the show was when Chang gave her a rose, as it was completely unexpected and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Too bad, the judges ruined that special moment for her!
Finally Deepali sang her song "Jab Chaye Mera Jadoo." She urged the crowds to cheer her on as this was her final night. Chang sportingly came up and presented Deepali a pink rose--how sweet! Then we see Prashant, Amit and Chang on stage with Deepali. The other contestants are shown to be too distraught to come on stage.
*************************************************************
Thus ends another painful elimination round. I doubt anyone predicted Deepali's exit this week. Here is wishing Deepali the always mature and composed contestant all the success in her life. You deserve it girl!
I am amazed. Deepali has climbed the ranks in my mind over the season. In my opinion, she is the highest female and probably second overall. I am shocked to see her go.
In US, the kind of hip gyrating dance Ankita does will be considered less than decent for a girl to perform on stage. This kind of dance is performed by bar dancers. Indians having watched such dance repeatedly have become desensitized to its suggestive form. The kind of dance the vampish roles used to perform years back is now what the lead actresses perform.
I have always felt Ankita was separate from the others. Anu Malik did hit the right chord here with his comment. The issue is with Ankita and not the others. She simply does not connect with the others.
On conterversy. i do not agree. from the start ankkita was seperated by the group. they didnt like her as for deepali lets see she has 5 yrs of vocal training has topped her education okay. puja and emon also have wonderful trainig of voice for manny many years okay.
so ankita has made her name in top 10. if you look at the previous scores on reviews done by curlio she has scored higher then many of these contenders. she has given her best. the remark and truly belive it was made by deepali who probably was a tinsy bit jealous of ankita and was to break her down
so far i believe deepali has ways of playing around with people. it must have been hard for her to be in bottom 5 times. she is definetly but can easliy change colours.
so as javed ji put it women are women worst enemy they will not allow anther women to take a higher position,
smita charu and richa were also seperated in the group yet the best singer was smita from the girls nwith richa not getting any mistakes in her sur.
and how come puja and deepali carried out waterworks when the boys were elimenated.????
now back to ..... though she need not worry for she will keep getting votes, at the expense of some other talented singer! ....
okay if your reading this deepali i will not take this lightly. you definely have a good voice but the last two songs you text sang and you do the same move in every song ( a bit suprising since you do have some dance training) and placing ankita or judging may allow you feel superior however if ankita who has no singing, performing, dancing and vocal training did have the same amout of training as you then she would be ten folds better then you.
sorry to see you leave but you defiently weren't a good sport and i do belive janta votes for not just a better singrer but one with a good personalty who would repersent their country.
as for america the latest and best dance and top work out is pole dancing. the ones you see in striptease bars?
please catch up with the time. i think either parshant or amit will win the crown
I think the most suprising thing on this show for me was Emon's reaction. Man he literally cried oceans over Deepali all with sobs and chokes--never suspected they were that close! Any ho, I am not sure how much of this melodrama I can take on II. Hopefully, next week will bring better performances and more predictable results:)
After watching last night's episode.. looks like I3 is heading the way I2 ended...The title of I3 will go to somebody who is not qualified to get the title!! By eliminating Deepali, I3 has truly lost the essence of what I3 should be.....
I have a feeling that the title of I3 will go To Prashant who doesn't deserve it in th 1st place....
I3 will be boring from now.... with all un-talented singers moving on...
Hello again from down under. I am glad to see the following:
1. Mr. Javed Akhtar putting Mr. Anu Malek in his place (even though Mr. Rude Malek doesn't take suttle hints)
2. Mr. Narayan reacting to lack of respect for him from fellow judges. He is right - why do we allow Mr. Malek to interfere while other judges speak?
What I am sad about:
1. Why Prashant is not in the danger zone - he is most inconsistent
2. Why the most consistent singer Ankita is still there? Consistent because she has consistently been a horrible singer
3. Emon coming in bottom 3 - Remember people in bottom 3 eventually go out in a few episodes (Puja is the only exception) .... unless this is II3 gimmick to show Emon in bottom 3 to garner more votes for Emon so that his followers vote more for him
4. Judges are biassed and inconsistent. I guess Mr. Akhtar is the most consistent judge - you take him away and the quality of show will reduce big time
In my opinion it would be great to see contest if the final four are: Amit, Emon, Puja & Chang. This would mean a balance between boys (Amit & Chang) & girls (Puja & Emon) .... ooops. On a serious note I personally would be happy if either of them wins as they are all good in terms of overall packaging (Singing, attitude, distinctive personality, X- factor etc)
By the way, folks are you enjoying POM bashing by Indian cricket team? I loved this guy Dhoni - he is too good, with an aussie attitude. He is one indian batsman who will walk into any side in the world, including the OZ.
I thought Ankita was very rude in what she did. Why did she keep asking other contestents for feedback if she can't handle the truth?
I choose to believe Deepali becoz, Ankita was hesistant in answering Anu Malik's questions. If she was totally honest and naive, she wouldn't be so hesistant.
I am amazed. Deepali has climbed the ranks in my mind over the season. In my opinion, she is the highest female and probably second overall. I am shocked to see her go.
Thanks guestI will try to keep covering Roobaroo and the Eliminations consistently. Great feedback of course is an excellent motivation to keep posting the reviews as soon as I can. As for Deepali's exit, I think no one was prepared for that--least of all Deepali. In a recent interview at the official Indian Idol website, she notes that even she was expecting Ankita or Puja to be eliminated!
Guest said: Why does Indian Idol have more followers on this forum in comparison to Sa Re Ga Ma?
Actually, I am not sure why. But I feel Indian Idol definitely has more popular appeal based on the format adopted by Sony and the way the contestants are presented on the show. SRGMP definitely has a large following (at least I follow the show each week), but I feel Indian Idol has somehow connected with the masses on a larger scale. I guess the forum is possibly a tiny representation of the mass appeal/popularity generated by II3.
1. Why Prashant is not in the danger zone - he is most inconsistent
2. Why the most consistent singer Ankita is still there? Consistent because she has consistently been a horrible singer
3. Emon coming in bottom 3 - Remember people in bottom 3 eventually go out in a few episodes (Puja is the only exception) .... unless this is II3 gimmick to show Emon in bottom 3 to garner more votes for Emon so that his followers vote more for him
I, for one, highly highly doubt Prashant will ever get eliminated. Prashant shouldn't have anything to worry about: he could come dressed in his pajamas, be completely drunk, and tell the judges to get lost, and still win this show hands down! He has some very loving and loyal supporters, and I hope he makes them proud after he wins the title. Whatever you do Sepoy, don't ignore your fans cuz they are the sole reason you will win this Idol crown.
Ditto for Amit and Chang. They will probably make it to the Final 3 based simply on voting trends. The contestants likely to get eliminated in the upcoming weeks are Emon, Puja, and Ankita--of course not necessarily in that order. Anyways, try different combinations of Emon, Puja, and Ankita, and you have a solid prediction for the upcoming eliminations on II3.
Based on the elimination episode this week and the drama surrouding Ankita, she might just be the next contestant to be eliminated. Puja and Emon will probably join her in the Bottom 3, and at the last minute be declared safe.
The elimination rounds are difficult to watch but what annoys me the most is the behavior of these so called respected and older judges. They squabble and argue in the most childish manner while the poor contestants stand there listening to all the insults in a suprisingly dignified manner. The judges comments serve no meaningful purpose except to create drama and embarassment.
At the final 9 stage of II3, I don't want to see anybody go! They are all good in their own unique ways. But someone has to go. I believe that all these finalists have receieved good exposure through II3 and have a bright future.
Edit Reaction
I thought Ankita was very rude in what she did. Why did she keep asking other contestents for feedback if she can't handle the truth?
I choose to believe Deepali becoz, Ankita was hesistant in answering Anu Malik's questions. If she was totally honest and naive, she wouldn't be so hesistant.
ANKITA WAS POURING HER HEART OUT TO SOMEONE IN PRIVACY. unfortunatley these children have no choice when it comes to airing their personal life. Ankita did not realise it would be aired or she would have made sure not to name anybody.
As for anu malik he just wanted to make it worse and to keep it down she just blamed herself. poor girl.
I think Annu Malek must be suffering from short term memory loss. Wasn't he the one that suggested that none of the contestants are happy about Ankita's come-back?
When Ankita was selected by the judges during the wild-card round, Annu commented that nobody seemed happy with her being selected so 'Watch out Ankita!'.
So, from the beginning she must have felt it and we saw this
clip a few times after that too.
Whether these personal confessions are aired or not the one thing they should all remember is if there is a camera this will go public sometime or the other.
II3 has turned into a circus. Udit said it the best - (literally speaking) it's only Anu or Akhtar sitting there as judges and he and Alisha are there to eat (he should start eating some channas there to kill time).
Akhtar is as bad as Malik, if not worse. He has made some very offensive and curt comments towards Alisha and Uditji. Very uncalled for. He has been singing Ankita's praises all along and all of a sudden, he does an about-face.
He rarely speaks out against Malik lest he anger him and not get to work with him again.
I don't think when somebody is out there competing, the argument " If aAnkita was equally trained, she would be ten folds better.." makes any sense at all. you are on the stage youve got to have what it takes to be number one..no excuses..Deepali must not be changing colors as someone has insisted. If Ankita becomes II this would be last II, I would be watching.(even this one I am watching because I am fond of singing and not many singing competition shows are out there). SRGMP singers and show is far far better.
Edit Reaction
I don't think when somebody is out there competing, the argument " If aAnkita was equally trained, she would be ten folds better.." makes any sense at all. you are on the stage youve got to have what it takes to be number one..no excuses
this comment was base on deeplai and so called contestant comments on ankita. she is besoori and cannot sing. and because of her other talented contestants aere being sacraficed? what the heck you do not go and say that to anybody. in particular deepali has been my favourite to win so this comment was inresponse to the comment she made to ankita. if ankita can come in top 10 without any trainig then imagine how well she would have done if she had training. these were harsh words meant for deepali.
....Deepali must not be changing colors as someone has insisted.
i do not know what to think of deepali the clip of camera have shown many different insights of her. from what showed in the begginnig from an easy going quite girl she turned flirtouis and from agony aunt to someone who could convince others to backstab. ie puja has one personalite so does ankita, same with charu . richa and smita. the colours of deepali seem to change as more she is getting notice.
If Ankita becomes II this would be last II, I would be watching.
i agree unless seriously she retains better vocals. i believe parashant is definetly going to win this.( he has his own wikipedia profile).
overall my comments were based not on performaces but comments and bullying of fellow colleges. its a dog eat dog world out there.
It is unfair of Sony to air the ankita complaint without asking her permission.Is this II or Big Brother?As far as Ankita not able to sing I think she is atleast better than Deepali who sings well 1 in 5 times.The judges do a sudden about turn after repeatedly mentioning that this is about both performance and singing.One would not work.
I was surprised with the following comments from the judges.
Alisha - This show is about 100% singing.If we want performers we would just get the dancers.
Really maam?Do you remember a guy called suhit who you were treating like the next coming of Elvis?Words either have a meaning or they don't.
Javed - If you are relying on Performance that means you are compromising on sining which is not acceptable.
Sir, With you respect can you review your comments during wildcard rounds when you kicked out Padmanav.Did your thinking undergo a radical change since then or II constitution was changed?
I m so so so so saaaaaddd on Deepali's exit...
she really was supposed to be the Indian Idol3...
It becomes so boring after seeing good singers going out of the competition like this...
II2 was the saddest show i had ever seen i think the same thing is gonna happen with II3 too..
How can they just kick off good talents like this????
I lost my interest in this show now.....
Everyone (including Ankita) is naming Deepali for making those comments. But Ankita herself said that she feels separated from the WHOLE group. The WHOLE group who lives with her and interacts with her all the time, must know her pretty well by now. So why is only Deepali getting blamed? The undisputed fact is that Deepali is a better singer and for albums to sell, you need to be able to sing well (not dance well). It is interesting however to see JA's about face - he used to show so much favoritism towards Ankita even when she performed badly.
The truth is that the Top 10 are already celebrities, recognized in India as well as abroad. It is up to them to take advantage of this and go forward. If you are not talented you are not going to get very far ( Karunya has gone much further than Sandeep).
The top 10 on Indian Idol have receieved great exposure and if they are really good, they will make it big! Karunya's talent goes way beyond Indian Idol and I am sure Deepali will also do well.
As far as Ankita vs. Deepali, they have their own strengths. Ankita will shine in stage shows, video albums, maybe even advt jingles and bhajans.
Deepali will do well in playback singing and hopefully realize her dream to be an RJ.
Rima :That was wonderful, factual reporting, keep it up!!As for Alisha changing her mind about Ankita, I dont really agree. Its one thing to argue to include a singer in the 13 choosen, but quite another when many more performances and eliminations down the line one has to choose between 2 particular contestants.
Deepali's was a most graceful and dignified exit.
Rima said,
"...Though I myself am a bit partial to Anky baby and would probably cry to see her go. Whatever said and done, that girl's got guts and I admire her for that. .."
I'm really surprised, 'coz I believe that for anyone to take part in a contest like this should have some exceptional talent for singing... I think anyone of us can sing like Ankitha. I really feel bad for Deepali and I'm thankful to Mr. Javed Akhtar because he has come to his senses now. Ankitha really don't deserve to be there.
I will try to keep covering Roobaroo and the Eliminations consistently. Great feedback of course is an excellent motivation to keep posting the reviews as soon as I can. As for Deepali's exit, I think no one was prepared for that--least of all Deepali. In a recent interview at the official Indian Idol website, she notes that even she was expecting Ankita or Puja to be eliminated!
