The 'bahu' of Indian Idol 4 evicted *Article*

"Indian Idol 4" contestant Shini Kalvint (pictured left) went home last night (December 20) a tad heartbroken but convinced that the Indian viewers do not vote for girls and more so for married ones.

Highly talented, passionate about her singing and determined to win the title, Shini came from small town Gwalior with stars in her eyes. Right from the days of the auditions, she was one of the top contenders for the title.

After watching all the performances, the judges believed that the girls had an edge over the boys this season of Indian Idol. But unfortunately the voting pattern has undone that belief. Week after week Indian Idol is losing a very talented female contestant.

Shini and Bhavya, once eliminated, were brought back by the judges through the Wild Card entry. But luck ran out for Shini last night. Bhavya on the other hand had a narrow escape this time but who knows what the coming weeks hold for her and the other girls on the show.

The reality show's judge Sonali Bendre who has rooted for the girls this season simply because their talent far outshone that of the boys, was completely devastated by the results and could not hold back her tears as she bid Shini goodbye.

Will the viewers vote for the best or simply continue with the bias of region and gender? One wonders. But if the same trend continues, music reality shows may sadly become a farcical process.

Hoping better sense prevails and the viewers vote even for those who turn out an excellent performance and not vote only to save a floundering contestant. May the best contestant go to the top!