Nepal’s heart-throb new Indian Idol

Nepal's heart-throb new Indian Idol

Manoj Shrestha/Padam Raj Joshi

DARJEELING'S DARLING: A TV grab of Prashant Tamang with Indian Idol trophy that was presented to him in New Delhi on Sunday.

Darjeeling/Kathmandu, Sept 23:

Sunday night, as the audience sat patiently through the protracted race for the laurels the magic finally happened in New Delhi. Very own Darjeeling lad Prashant Tamang emerged the crowned Indian Idol after vanquishing close competitor and self-professed friend Amit Paul of Shillong. The crown carries contract worth Rs 1 crore with Sony Entertainment Network. The name of the winner was announced by model and actor John Abraham. Prashant carried the day with his rendition "Ye Kali Kali Aankhein" from the film Baazigar.
Darjeeling and Sikkim went bananas with joy. People there jigged and rocked. It promised to be an all-night carousel. So much so that sales of liquor had already been banned for the last two days for fear of people going out of control. Fans of Prashant in Nepal were delirious with joy. Not without reason, for droves of people from various districts of Nepal had been going to Darjeeling to register SMS votes for Prashant.
The contest run by Sony Television garnered a record number of seven crore SMS votes in the last leg of the contest as the two new giants of Indian song inched closer and closer to the finish line. The contest began more than seven months ago, with 28,000 contestants vying to get into the top 13. As the contest went on the number of contestants narrowed down to 13 for the final phase. In the gala round only two were left standing.
Darjeeling's Tungsung native Prashant, 24, employed in the Kolkata police band, thanked his mother, sister, his colleagues in the force and all his fans and supporters in Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim and all over India for their unstinted support.
The contest was judged by poet-lyricist Jawed Akhtar, musician-composer Anu Malik, singers Udit Narayan and Alisha Chinai. Prashant is scheduled to visit Nepal and express his gratitude to his Nepali fans shortly.
Musician Shambhujit Banskota described Prashant as the pride of the Nepali community, adding that he would try and rope in Prashant for his music. Musician Raju Singh said Prashant had etched the identity of Nepali artistes on the music firmament. Noted comedy actor Harivansh Acharya said he was overjoyed at Prashant's success. Nepali Tara idol Dipak Limbu said Prashant's success was a victory for Nepali talent.

Prashant's win drives capital crazy
KATHMANDU: The moment Darjeeling's Prashant Tamang was declared the Indian Idol, Kathmandu erupted into shouts of cheer and jubilation. People took out victory rallies that went around the town. The night air was rent with whistles and shouts of "Prashant, Prashant." Many burst crackers celebrating Prashant's victory.
Talking to this daily over the phone Prashant's sister Archana said, "Initially I was very scared, but we are all very happy (ekdamai khushi lageko chha)."
She got to know about Prashant's win at around 9:30 pm and was eager to know if we'd seen her on TV. Informing that Prashant had gone for a celebratory party, she again said that she was very, very happy that Prashant had won.
"I felt like crying. People in the neighbourhood are screaming with joy. I knew he would win," said Kriti Thapa, a local resident of Bhatbhateni.
Her joy was echoed by Santosh Sigdel who lives in Kirtipur. "I feel happy. I have been supporting Prashant from the very beginning. Prashant's win is a thing of pride for all Nepalis," he said.
Janaki KC, a housewife from Sinamangal said, "I felt very proud when Prashant's mother put the Nepali topi on his head. This victory is not just a thing of celebration for just one family. It is for Nepalis all over." — HNS