Smita vows revenge against Anu Malik!

Hitting Back: Smita Adhikari

Sony's Indian Idol 3 contestant, Smita Adhikari has vowed revenge against judge Annu Malik for his uncharitable remarks against her, which she believes is giving her a difficult time in staying afloat in the competition.

Sour grapes?

This 24-year old Kolkata girl was subject to Annu's caustic comments during her audition round in her hometown, but managed to scrape through into the final 28.

Annu had humiliated her then, by telling her she had a depressing personality. When Friday's upcoming episode was being shot yesterday, Smita learnt that she was trailing behind and securing fewer votes.

Sources say that Smita strongly believes that if Annu hadn't shot his mouth off, India would have been voting for her much more than what it is now. "She feels that Annu brought her average looks so much to the fore that the public sat up and took notice," says the source close to Sony.

Annu unimpressed

MiD-DAY learns that Smita has been telling her sob story to all the other contestants in the hotel. She tells them, "When the auditions were going on, I was sitting there for the entire day, my make-up and everything was completely fudged and I was not looking very good.

I sang Ae dil itna bata from the film Deewana. Annuji asked me to sing one more song. Then I sang Suno sajana papihe ne (Aaye Din Bahar Ke). Uditji and Javed sahab were really positively surprised that a girl of my age can sing such a difficult and old song with that grace.

They appreciated me. But Annuji told me 'aapki personality se main bilkul impress nahin hua hoon'."

Won't bow out

MiD-DAY spoke exclusively to Smita. This is what she had to say, "Aaj main bahut mushkil se select hui hoon. Annuji points out mistakes very openly and this helps one to improve.

But I was taken back a bit by Annuji's comments in the audition round. I can't comment if that comment has had a telling effect on the fewer number of votes I am getting. I just want to tell my fellow countrymen that they should not judge a singer by their looks."

"Actually, I used to wear salwaar-kameez. After the audition round, I started wearing jeans. Beyond this, I can't do anything. I am very determined and will not bow out before making a point," Smita adds.