'Indian Idol' takes Meghalaya by storm

Posted : Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:05:09 GMT
Author : Syed Zarir Hussain
Shillong, Sep 19 - From government offices to the durbars of tribal kings, the chief minister's secretariat to the Raj Bhawan, and schools and colleges - the only topic of discussion in the northeastern state of Meghalaya is the much-watched reality television contest 'Indian Idol'.

'Will Amit Paul be the next Indian Idol?' is the oft-repeated question asked by each and everyone. Even the wrinkled grandmmother who knows nothing about Hindi songs is enthusiastic.

There is a frenzy in this predominantly Christian state of 2.3 million people as the 24-year-old singing sensation from Shillong is now in the top two of the highly-rated reality music show on Sony TV, where a contestant is eliminated based on the least number of votes received via SMS or phones. The finals are scheduled to be telecast live Sep 23.

'Music has transcended all cultural barriers and even the durbars of local kings (there are 25 durbars in Meghalaya) are talking about Amit and appealing for votes through SMS and phone calls,' John F. Kharshiing, spokesperson of the Federation of Khasi States, the apex body campaigning for legal status for the durbars in Meghalaya, told IANS.

Local media reports here, quoting mobile telephone service providers, said that an estimated Rs.450,000 worth of SMS messages were sent every hour from across the state during the last couple of days.

'Amit should be the next Indian Idol,' appealed Patricia Mukhim, a well-known writer and Padma Shri award winner from Meghalaya, through SMS messages to her friends and well-wishers.

Leading the bandwagon for supporting Amit is Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang himself. And jostling for space to campaign for the local hero are all the ministers and opposition parties.

'We have conferred him the honorary title of Meghalaya's 'Brand Ambassador' to foster peace, communal harmony and excellence,' Lapang told IANS.

Giant hoardings and posters with Amit's photographs have sprung up across Meghalaya asking people to vote for him.

'This is definitely more than an election and Amit's success in the contest has brought name and fame to Meghalaya,' said Paul Marbaniang, a college teacher.

'There is a frenzy all over the place as the catchword now is Amit and only Amit. Some members of his fan club have opened a free telephone booth for people to vote for him, while an Internet cafe has also been set up exclusively to vote for Amit,' said K. Mawlong, a local singer.

Amit's rival in the contest Prashant Tamang from Darjeeling is also drawing huge public response with the authorities forced to enforce a ban on sale of liquor Sep 22-24, fearing wild parties if he wins. (c) Indo-Asian News Service

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