Agra roots for reality show contestants Sparsh, Maini

Agra, June 2 (IANS) Several groups and cultural academies have launched a campaign here for the success of Sparsh Srivastav and Rakesh Maini who are participating in the reality shows 'Chak Dhoom Dhoom' and 'Indian Idol 5', respectively.

Both contestans are from the Taj City. Sparsh, 11, is participating in Colors' dance reality show for kids 'Chak Dhoom Dhoom'. Maini, 27, who belongs to a big family comprising of 11 siblings and his parents, is participating in Sony TV's music reality show 'Indian Idol 5'.

Agra's Guinness record holders - like Dinesh Shandilya who created the longest flute, Akash Gupta who played guitar non-stop for 55 hours, and homeopath Parthasarthy Sharma who examined a record 600,000 patients - are appealing to the masses to vote for Sparsh and Maini.

Rajeev Gupta of Lok Swar, a voluntary group of cultural artists and social activists, has organised several functions to involve people to support Sparsh and Maini through SMS.

'Sparsh has been a unique talent and has won so many prizes in the last few years. He is the pride of the Taj City. Another talent doing well is the young singer Rakesh Maini in the 'Indian Idol 5' contest,' Rajeev told IANS.

'A dozen groups like Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society and IPTA have also come forward to support and impart a momentum to the campaign for both the talents,' said Rajeev.