Indian Idol Finds A Will And Has A Way With Blockbusters
Sprout
2006-02-27 21:45:58
I must confess that this was my favourite most Indian Idol episode! Frankly, I was in heaven, because it was like they hacked my laptop and stole my favourites! It was just amazing! Ok I must come clean that song choices of NC Karunya and Sandeep Acharya were unknown to me! However, Karunya sang the song so beautiful that I am now so torn between Amey Date and Karunya!
Ok, first thing first – the guest judge was acclaimed young filmmaker Karan Johar – oh honey, he does no spell queer, he screams it! Not that sexuality matters, but I found it funny that the deal in India is stay in closet and never talk about it! Ok, I will be frank I was told way more than I needed to know about Mr Johar! How much of the stupid gossip I heard was true is anyone’s guess! If I got wrong information, please pardon me but I am sorry I did see some clichés and hence I said screams! What do you think Deepa, am I warm or not even close?
Now, let me warn that I have choice words for the four judges and I will swear! Because I am officially irked beyond my tolerance and when the matter arises I will not merely mention it, I will go full force! So if you don’t want to read profanities, you can stop reading! Don’t say I did not warn y’all!
The highlight that awaited the Final Six was a visit by Mr Will Smith! Now Deepa you asked me what I thought of Will Smith! I will say where there is Will, there is a way! Man he is not just awesome – he is just great! I frankly must admit that the guy knows how to make fans! Such a wonderful man! Seriously, the advice he gave the Final Six was insightful and a must-hear deal!
Will Smith does not belong to any race or culture – he is one of the very few people who blend in any scenario and I mean that in a very positive way! Like, he performed “Gettin’ Jiggy with It!” with the contestants getting jiggy! Then Karunya asked him if he’d sing a duet in Hindi and Will Smith – Oh my God sang “Aati Kya Khandala” and let me assure everyone even my Hindi diction is not that good! He nailed the lines beautifully and though he messed up at the end – a bit – I don’t think anyone cared! For a guy who has never even heard Hindi (I am assuming) actually sang the song so well that I think every Indian who saw the show has added this Fresh Prince to their favourites’ list!
Will Smith came as a Fresh Prince but left Indian Idol stage wearing a turban usually worn by the Kings! Way to go Will! You so rocked!
Now, here’s something that I found very funny – I was told earlier today that I couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate to be in India, because obviously Will Smith is in India, but come early March, George W Bush is going to be in India and I am like, isn’t that great – its almost like Wild Wild West, the good, the bad and the ugly! And let me assure that I am not the good one! Rest people can draw their own conclusion!
Ok way off track but had to share that! Sorry about that! Moving on fast! Let’s start the show!
Now if I understood correctly the theme was greatest hits from hit movies and hence I knew four of the six songs!
The show opened with Antara Mitra singing “Bairie Piya” from "Devdas"! Now, if one knows this song one knows that Shreya Ghoshal has rendered it beautifully with a touch of romantic mischief! The soul of the song is flirtation by berating the loved one is a loving way! Unfortunately for Antara the soul was so missing – I am sorry I just did not like the performance even if it was technically sound or whatever! These songs are like heard million times before, so if the performance is even slightly weak, anyone can recognise it! However, with the kind of voting trend, I am sure she will be in safe zone!
Now when the judges started speaking, my irritation started raising its ugly head! Sonu Nigam gave a very diplomatic critique, which was neither good nor bad – just stating the obvious! Farah Khan was gaga and said Antara can go for Miss India contest – I am not kidding! And added that this time Indian Idol would be a gal! Anu Malik talking about Antara, what is he going to say? She sucked? Hello! He already has vested interest in this one! Karan Johar was supposedly pleased and as a critique wished the first wish of All the Best!
You know I was ok with the judgement, because I know that they favour Antara, but what happened next literally got on my nerves – look don’t get me wrong – I am a sucker for family reunions and I had expected that sooner or later Antara’s parents would show up, but when they did and when she got extremely emotional, the reunion became a shtick!
My mum and (I am so asking for physical pain) my gal joined in the crying session and I was like you have got to be kidding me! I puked a bit in my mouth, but to be fair to Antara she had no part to play in this pimping except being who she is! The producers are literally vouching for this gal, because of all the remaining six, she is the only one who has never been in Bottom Three – do we assume a conspiracy theory? I hope not!
Moving to next contestant NC Karunya – this guy was Superb! Ok, I must admit that I had never heard the song he sang, but his performance made me love that song! “Lagaan Laagi” meaning I am in love with you (?) sounded like a disclosure of sorts! With musical acrobats this guy from Hyderabad nailed the song! I was super impressed and went overboard voting for him immediately!
Now this is the point where I miss TiVo because I cannot actually report things word to word! Sonu Nigam commented that Karunya nails Sukhwinder Singh’s songs brilliantly and I agree – his niche is Punjab folk! He has a very robust voice with a tender tone! Farah Khan stated that Karunya sang so well that she fell in love with him – Lagaan Laagi! Anu Malik was all praises and Karan Johar said All the Best! How about Best of Luck? No! Wishing You the Best? No! Alrighty then!
Now prepare yourself for the good, the bad and the ugly!
The Good
My favourite Meenal Jain took the stage and sang one of my most favourite songs from one of my most favourite movies! "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam"! – The title track! I don’t care who says what – in my opinion this was the best performance of the evening! The song is so difficult and to sing it in tune is a feat and trust me, she nailed it! It was not good, it was Best! She managed to hit all the right notes and I was like if Indians prefer Antara over Meenal, they need to go to an ear specialist! It was such a great performance that I got goose-bumps and a shiver down me spine!
Do I believe she would evade Bottom Three tomorrow? No! Because I am practical guy and knowing how India votes, Meenal can sing in 10 octave range and yet she’d feature in Bottom Three! Huh! 10 octave range – wonder what that might sound like!
The Bad
Ok, when the episode went for commercial break, one saw Anu Malik act like a perfect Drama Queen – walking away in huff – cursing Farah Khan! Now since I had no idea who was performing next – I loudly exclaimed, “What a DQ!” When I put two and two together – I knew exactly what Farah Khan might have said to ignite this internal fire – well, mock fire if it makes you happier before Anu Malik threw his temper tantrum! I thought it was over the top reaction and Anu went on stage and told Meenal that she had done a brilliant job!
The Ugly
Meenal was singing a painful love song that had conflicting emotions – now frankly how does one perform such a song? I mean the song is so slow paced! It is a serious song and I think any movement could ruin the song! Anyway, we will come to this, but Sonu Nigam stated that Meenal’s performance had no soul, though technically she sang brilliantly! WHAT? No soul! That performance had more soul than you would realize Sonu, so just shut up!
Next up the queen of his own world Karan Johar stated that Meenal lacked charisma that is needed to be a brilliant singer – ok he never used the word charisma but that is more or less the gist! Seriously I don’t get it, what are these people hearing and what am I hearing? Charisma my foot! Karan just go back to your wonderful world because frankly you should not talk about others when you yourself are not all that!
Farah (the bitch) Khan was just rude, she was like I hated your performance, you sang with your eyes closed – Shut up you * nincompoop! This woman is so not equipped to be a judge and if I am not wrong – she is a choreographer? I would love to see what kind of choreography she would use for this song!
And as far as eyes closed factor goes, apparently Farah Khan has never been to any concerts of Kishori Amonkar, who is like God to me! Kishori Amonkar sings with her eyes closed and yet manages to touch the very core of a true listener’s soul! Only hitch is she is a Prima Donna!
Seriously, I was too tired last night and I passed out, when I took a mini break, but in a way, I am glad, because if I would have continued last night – I would have added lot more undesirable words! I understand that Indian Idol is about packages, but you know I frankly drew a conclusion that even these judges are not sure what all is required to be an Indian Idol! I am no longer in doubt about this fact – it is like blind leading the blind – oh beautiful, eyes closed reference!
Moving along…
Anuj Sharma! Ok, I know he was not there totally, but I just loved the song choice, it is one of my favourite songs from "Ek Dujhe Ke Liye"! "Solah Baras Ki" – Age of Sixteen – is a beautiful ballad which talks about how lovers meet and depart and how easy it is to fall in love at a tender age with and without worries! Originally rendered by Lata Mangeshkar, this is one song that I never expected to hear in the competition, but trust me, it was a great choice! Obviously Anuj is no Lata Mangeshkar but that’s ok, I think he did a decent job!
The judges were like he was okay and though all commended him on the song choice; Sonu Nigam stated Anuj sang it horribly – not entirely true! Anu Malik stated that he understands that this guy missed galas, but his performance had good and bad parts – true! Farah Khan liked the choice and Karan Johar wished the Best! Oy!
I am not sure if Anuj would evade Bottom Three or not, but I think he should be in Bottom Three in a perfect world! However, this is not the perfect world! Maybe he would evade the Bottom Three like he always does!
Amey Date too took on "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" but with KK’s Tadap Tadap – a song that narrates the pains of the lovers, when the love is not recognized and one has to say goodbye! Oh man! Amey was brilliant – simply outstanding! I have not seen such consistent performances in my life by anyone! The versatility itself makes Amey a true contender for Indian Idol title!
Now, here’s the deal when it comes down to Karunya and Amey, I would choose Amey simply because he does not belong to any boxes – Amey has performed varied songs by varied artistes, where as Karunya’s forte has unfortunately become songs influenced by Punjab folk!
Amey gave a flawless performance and all the judges were pleased! Farah Khan was like this was the best performance last night – totally agreed! See that Farah, if you are not an unnecessary bitch I actually agree with you! Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik liked the performances and Karan wished the best! Seriously dude, if you are going to be a judge, at least act like one!
Last and very very least, Sandeep Acharya! You know I want him gone, because I am now way too tired of Sandeep Acharya Covers Udit Narayan! I have no clue what that song was and I am not even going to find out! It was an icky performance and I want this wannabe gone from my television screen!
Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik both told Sandeep that him covering Udit Narayan only would come back to bite him where the sun don’t shine! It took 6 eliminations for the judges to come to that conclusion? Please one could have told Sandeep that long back! Karan Johar obviously wished him the best and what did Farah Khan say? You performed well! Yes Farah I know he is your favourite! However, that does not speak highly of you! Sandeep cannot take critique like a pro!
Anyway, the ideal Bottom Three would be
Antara,
Anuj,
Sandeep!
The actual Bottom Three might be
Meenal,
Amey,
Karunya!
Ok, not actual but hypothetically! I am sure at least one person would feature from ideal Bottom Three list and if that person is eliminated – Hallelujah! Send Sandeep home!
Now, I know that Shree, Deepa, Brute amongst others are waiting for this post since some time, I waited so they can see the show and not get spoiled! Let the interaction begin!
I end with words of Solah Baras Ki, wonderful words!
Milte Rahe Yahan Hum Yeh Hai Yahan Likha
Us Likhavat Ki Jero Jabar Ko Salaam
In Mast Gehri Gehri Aankhon Ke Jheel Mein
Jisne Humein Duboya Us Bhanwar Ko Salaam
Ghoonghat Ko Todkar Jo Sarse Sarak Gayi
Aisi Nigodi Dhani Chunar Ko Salam
Aye Pyar Teri Pehli Nazar Ko Salaam!
Thanks for the post Sprout. I actually don't have a way to watch Indian Idol. The episodes are posted on a site I go to to watch them (don't worry, I'm being an honest human being- not downloading). So I haven't yet seen this episode, which I why I wait eagerly (no really, eagerly) for the updates on this site. (this is my promotional plug for this site...you're welcome!)
First of all, as I said before--Will Smith rocks my world! The man has got it going on. I'm glad he was there. I CANNOT imagine him singing Aati Kya Khandala. AMAZING! Yay for the coolest, hippest, sexiest human being on the face of this planet. (the second, among many others, is a certain Indian Idol contestant who shall go unnamed...but I digress)
Sprout- you hit it on the nail. Karan Johar needs to come out of the closet. A great observation on your part. And here I thought that this would be a good opportunity for the finalists. From what I'm reading, he could've sent in a voice recording with "All the best" or whatever it was he said umpteen times. I was wrong, and I'll admit it.
Okay, I want an honest opinion since you saw the show. Is Meenal in deep trouble this time around? I mean, more than usual? Cause from what you said about the judges comments, it seems that way to me. I'll be mightily pissed off if she gets voted off because the judges suck at their job. And the first one I'll be tempted to beat is Farah Khan. The judges will just not leave the poor girl alone. They need to pick on someone else!
I am, however, glad that Anu Malik didn't call Antara his playback singer again. I think it was a subtle acknowledgement that she didn't perform up to par. And I also don't like her choice of song. She had so many blockbuster songs to choose from, and she chose the slowest, most boring one she could. Blech.
But just to be nice to the girl, I will say that I'm glad her family was able to come to the show. It sounds like it was melodramatic (and then some), but no matter what, I'm sure her feelings were genuine (maybe carried out overdramatically, but genuine on the inside). It is a great thing they are doing and to have your family there to share it makes a big difference. Amey's mom is always there (I know you have soft spot for her Sprout, who doesn't? When I see her, I always catch myself saying "Awwwww..."). Meenal's mom and Karunya's dad have also been there. As have Anuj's fiancee and Sandeep's family. It's about time Antara had a family to sing in front of.
And final word- good observation on Amey. You're right in that Karunya has started singing the same types of songs. Amey's the only one who's put on a completely different show every time and still been consistent. I'm sure he gave a knock-out performance (especially after the judges made a debacle out of him last week). And, he sang one of my all-time favorite songs. I can't wait to hear it!!
And the very final word- I agree that Sandeep needs to go. But I felt bad for the guy last week when the judges gave him such a hard time. It's not his fault that the people voted for him. Don't make him feel bad. He knows his performance sucked. But they just would not let it go. And to make matters worse, his guru also humiliated him on television. * judges and poor judgment on his guru's part.
After your last week's semi discourse on how you humbly submit that you don't claim class, you probably forgot to add that tiny 'humble' in YOUR opinion. And very true what you said last week mate...opinions are not fact and no matter how vehemently we try to put them across they remain opinions....
Now on to our favourite axe that we love grinding....yes the masses may reject Meenal....but then the class (if you afford Sonu Nigam that luxury) quite discerningly found a notch missing....the normally generous Farah found a bit of soul missing too...but then she probably is more mass (completely unintended) than class...
Before you get completely worked up relax and smile....I think she sang really well.......maybe not as soulfully as she could but good...
To Antara : Maan, this was a shameless display of trying to gain a sympathy vote....they hit rock bottom with this...added to the fact that voting lines open at the very start.......I think the hosts helped her nail it.....wouldn't be surprised if she sails through.....and it wouldn't be by the sheer force of the wind in her lungs....and SMILE Sprout....felt too that the sould was missing...and the high notes went straight to her nose.....a good rendition though...she got the ishhh's spot on.
Ditto to your take on Amey...sang my favourite song as well....the last little "twist" that he invented was cool..Have been rooting for Amey......I hope he makes it..
Karunya..well...refinement personified......hope he makes it too.....the hosts tried their fair bit t rope in a Gujju lady to garner the non-hyderabad votes....really wish him the best....deserves it..
Anuj...tried to be different ...great courage...even greater song.....rendition??...well fair....but didnt do justice to the essence....still think he'll evade bottm three...has a sort of rustic charm that appeals to us lesser mortal masses...
Sandeep...well seems like a matter of time each week but he's proving to be the hound that wouldnt let go...just keeps hanging in there....Janta rules...
And Sprout...Farah is there solely for the presence and overall performance bit....Kishori Amonkar does not sing for the camera.....she does for discerning ears.....maybe you missed Farah's comment about Meenal not singing for the camera and keeping her eyes closed....
And lastly hope this makes you grin......my 9 year old daughter (has a very discerning ear)...loves Meenal...she thinks she's the best
Hi All!
i am watching all epsiodes of indian i idol according to me
Antara should be the next indian idol but in the final episode of 27 all sang very well except menal
best of luck to all
bye
GUEST said: Hi All!
i am watching all epsiodes of indian i idol according to me
Antara should be the next indian idol but in the final episode of 27 all sang very well except menal
best of luck to all
bye
OH MAAN..you did it.....Sprout hath hell's fury when Meenal scorned.....
hey there folks!!!
since u guys have spoken so much about all the extra stuff, let me just go directly to the performances...
firstly, I felt since the theme was greatest hits from hit movies, both the girls chose very slow songs. not that the songs were bad, they are really good songs. But may be in they had picked up a more a 'peppy' popular song. In today's episode, all the songs were pretty good songs, but may be they could have picked up better songs....
Anyways, having said that..Antara's performance was ok...nothing too great. Certain places she was good, but overall she was just fine.....nothing hoo haa about it....she'll be in the safe zone for that drama that came after that! I am just wondering what if she had someone else instead of "Mummy!!".....it felt staged...though her tears were genuine. Ok, its nice to see her parents there and I know it definitely must have given the boost, but they didnt have to dramtize it so much....but I guess that reality television!!
According to me, Karunya's was the best performance of today's episode. I was simply impressed by his breath control in between the verses and also picking up the high notes.But like u said Sprout, he should demonstrate versatality....he has a very good voice.
I am not sure if something is wrong with my ears today, but Sprout I didnt really find Meenal any great, in fact I was not happy with her performance, firstly I felt bad song selected for her voice and secondly there were some places in the song that she didnt sing it right. Though Meenal is in my fav list, I just didnt like it. But I pray that she doesnt get into the bottom three..she is way better than Anuj, Sandeep and Antara!!
The song Anuj sang is one of my favorite songs. I think he sang it fairly well.......when I hear Anuj's voice it reminds me of that singer who sings all Mata di's songs......cant remember his name---I think those casettes used to be produced by Gulshan Kumar's Tseries...
Amey picked a very beautiful song, and he did complete justice to it. I felt Amey a bit tensed, appearance wise(may be bcos of last weeks close brush!!)...nevertheless, he was awesome....pulled off the song with the right feeling.....
Oh no! not again Udit Narayan! I really thought he might try something different. Every week I am proved wrong. he didnt sing the song with josh at all. he was just ok.
my top two (Just couldnt pick any one for third place)
karunya
amey
bottom three
sandeep
anuj
meenal
I feel Antara might not feature in bottom three, though I would be in the most happiest is she is there instead of Meenal.....Janta save Meenal!!!
I do not know that why you all are so harse for Sandeep, although I felt too ashamed of his choice A Uditji's song, means he didn't accepted the challenge.
But his voice quality is ultimate, are you all do not like Udit ji's voice.I am again repeating the same that last time when Rahul Vaidya was with the similar voice then no one objected as he performed well and was not such shy as Sandeep.
But this time Sonu NIgam started the thing in his own stylish way. Notice that how will he let down Amey Date the second good voice for his hot favourite Karunya, who is better for his choice, although sungs well but I firmly say that he is not extraordinary.
When I say that I loved Meenal performance, I don’t expect others to agree with me! Sure, I was irritated that three of four judges were harsh with their critique, because as an alien ear I thought the performance was the best, taking the original into consideration! All the while Antara’s performance was lacklustre and yet praised by all the four in different way! For once it would be nice if the judges did not make their favouritism so in the face!
Deepa, apparently only I thought that Meenal’s performance was great, but to be fair, my gal raised a very valid point that I did not mention in hindsight, but I remembered as soon as Shree mentioned it! The song that Meenal chose was a risky deal, because mass does not like slow paced songs – think Panna and you might understand!
So how much in danger is Meenal? She will be in Bottom Three and maybe, just maybe she might be safe! God knows! Because she was the only person who received harsh criticism!
So it can work for her as well! I must say I almost froze in awe when she started singing the song – maybe it was heaven to me because I love Meenal and I love that song!
Brute and Shree, it is ok to have a different opinion and I am not that close minded that I would go in a dictatorial mode and bad mouth people with different opinion! I have opinions, no one has to agree!
Brute – Humility isn't actually humility unless there's something you're good enough at to be humble about! I don’t think I am good enough at all to have humility in my veins! I don’t believe in false modesty, because that is the first step towards hypocrisy! :)
This is one site where all the opinions are considered important and I don’t know if it is a good thing or bad, but no one’s ego is inflated here!
Losing the cool happens every now and then, but never a mud slinging match!
So I am not going to go bananas, if I read an opinion opposite of mine!
I love the fact that you guys are so frank because if anyone states what one feels – we cannot ask for anything better!
Oh and just so you know how the banter goes, y’all should see Will’s (not Smith – although that would be so cool) banter!
Brute, the way you paint me, you make me look like some fanatic! LOL! – I agree I am a fan but paint me right – now you at least know my real colours! :P
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
i have no idea where else to put this little tidbit and i am bored stiff waiting until the amerikan show posts tonight (once again i is stuck in europe). so budgie up and shift ur arse a wee bit over to the left...roit that be just enuf roam;
Come on everybody. lets be logical Alright.
i think i agree with what antara said. Janta must vote using their BRAINS.
Amey is simply awesome. come on dont say u didnt enjoy what he sang one bit. he was stupendous. i say, he should be the indian idol.
Next would be Karunya. another guy who just knows how to pluck ur heart. He is sure toend not just as a singer, but also a Dil Jeetne Wala singer like Sonu Nigam.
Then there is Antara. i think she is got the voice and the SOUL for singing. if she sing well she is third. onlu that janta must vote for her if she sings well not bcoz of her background.
then comes Anuj and Sandeep. this place is not for them. they should have been vote out long back. panna and sagar should have been here. so no use telling about them.
so there goes my list.
1)Amey
2) Karunya
3)Antara(coz no other choice)
I dnt know the way Indian Idol is going , but next i think Sandeep shd b out.
Its high time.
i really wish to see Amey and Kanunya in the finals.
i dnt know , y the janta likes Antara and Sandeep???
Any answers.
But, even the judges like Antara, but in my opinion Meeanl ws much better the Antara, so she shd also b out soon.
Hope now ,we dnt see nay more disasters in Indian Idol.
i can't understand y people r just blaming sandeep.
he is the owner of a very sweet voice.though karunya sing well,he don't have that look 2 b an indian idol.according 2 me sandeep should b the next indian idol.he is so handsome with a special smile& i like him for that inspite of his talented voice.
