I was bored and came across this article...never read it before. Have you? 😃
The 12 finalists of the Indian Idol are all set to embark on the journey towards fame. But, what lies behind the hype and glamour is nerve-rattling anxiety, says Anandita Gupta
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Tick-tick 1, tick-tick 2…just a few more tense moments to go. Limitless fingers are feverishly messaging, indulging in a ritualistic rock 'n' roll on their cell phones. Many a heads are dutifully bowed in prayer. And millions of mouths are gaping at a bunch of not-so-known, yet immensely talented youngsters. Commoners enroute fame, these 12 young Indian Idol finalists stand amidst grandiose sets, glitzy hype and glamourous makeovers, making the public laugh, cry, shriek and vote!
As the flattering flashlights swish and twirl, finally settling to focus on their personas, these performers fasten their dancing shoes, let their hair down and begin to sing 'n' swing. Loosing themselves to the high of applause, they perform as if there is nothing behind or beyond. And not just that. They stand upright and confident, braving those goof-ups, cutting comments, painfully unfunny jokes by the judges and the pressure of grilling rounds. Despite it all, what the audience sees is smiles on their faces and spring in their steps. But what lies behind all this is the nerve-rattling anxiety and tremendous fear. Lets peep into the edginess of these young performers—
Sweet seventeen — She's just a Plus one student. Having been on this planet for just 17 years, she's surely too smart for her age. The chirpy Neha Kakkar from Delhi is a potpourri of unmatched confidence, stage presence and a missionary zeal. She created waves with Seekh le and Laagi tum se mann ki lagan. But right now, the girl's down with chicken pox and feeling terrible. "I'm missing out on the hype the other contestants are getting. I'm real angry with my luck." She laments. Her only hope— her Mata Rani. "I'm constantly in physical pain but don't miss my pooja any day. I read my Durga Chaleesa daily and am keeping my fingers crossed in prayer," she smiles.
Mumbai Magic —Adds Meenal Jain, another strong contender for the title, "We are going through long exhaustive training sessions and are away from our loved ones. At times we get exhausted and break into tears. But then, I evade thinking about loosing, as it would take away all my confidence. The possibility of loosing is very scary after all this hardwork."
Hyderabad Blues —Chips in N.C. Karuniya, a Hyderabad born Electronics and Communications student, "What the contest is looking for is a perfect entertainer and not just a singer. So the pressure is great and we all are keeping our fingers crossed. But the massive publicity we guys are getting through video conferencing and photo shoots is inspiring enough to keep the spirits high. "
A date with destiny —26-year-old Amey Date from Mumbai is another perennial favourite with most city people. "Music is my passion and I'm in this contest just for the love for it. But yes, those jitters are definitely there," he confesses.
Laughs Nina Jaipuria, Vice President, Marketing and Communications with Sony TV, "I believe the contestants are a cut above last time's performers. They are doing vigorous training sessions and tension's building up. The 12 of them are a family now and all will cry when any one contestant will be chopped off every week."
Of course, it's not easy to go through all that nerve-rattling anxiety. But then, before reaching uphill, there are deep valleys to be traversed. Aren't they?
