Article: Amit spins magic at festival

Guwahati, Oct. 2: As the autumn evening melted into night, one of Bollywood's most popular numbers of this generation — Nasha yeh pyar ka nasha hai — turned to Nasha yeh Amit ka nasha hai.

Such was the impact of Amit Paul on his fans, who had paid to watch him perform live at the ongoing Guwahati Mahotsav at the Sonaram Higher Secondary School ground. This was his first live show after narrowly missing the Indian Idol III crown to Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling.

The fans, who had been waiting for their "icon" since 5pm, were mesmerised by the performance dished out by the 25-year-old from Shillong. He had made Guwahati his "second" home while chasing his dreams of becoming a famous singer.

It was clear from the rousing and frenzied reception that was accorded to the new singing sensation of the region that life has come full circle for Amit, who admitted on stage with characteristic humility that the city would always have a special place in his heart since he has so many special memories. He spoke in chaste Assamese, a gesture which further endeared him to his fans, who also included young boys and girls from his native Meghalaya. "I am coming to Guwahati after a long time and the city has always been very special to me and will remain so," he said.

This evening's performance, not surprisingly, would remain memorable for both him and his fans. Special for Amit, because he was accorded a sparkling felicitation by the organisers of the festival, Joya Communications. Leading lights of the Assamese film and music industry turned up to congratulate him for doing the Northeast proud.

Some of the personalities who shared the dais with him included Zerifa Wahid, a long-time friend, Munin Baruah, Manjula Baruah, Pranjal Saikia, Chetana Das and Mridula Baruah. The photojournalists' association and his fans from Meghalaya also felicitated him.

Since Amit is the brand ambassador for Meghalaya, he was asked to invite one and all, on behalf of the Sohra Tourism Development Society, to the Cherrapunjee Autumn Festival. This festival will be held later this month.

It was equally special for his fans. They were not only treated to Amit's "golden" voice — as comperes Florence and Manju referred to it — but also got to see a showman in full flow. His grooming during the months as one of the participants in the reality TV show had transformed him.

"It is not only his voice but his body language, his mannerisms on stage, his selection of words, which make him a complete package. He knows the pulse of the crowd," said Rahul Baruah, who had seen him perform during his struggling days.

"It's a dream come true. I had not expected anything like this. It's a great honour. I love you, Guwahati," said a visibly moved Amit Paul before belting out one hit number after another as the crowd went into raptures. These included Pahla nasha, In dino dil mera, Bulla ki jaan, Nasha yeh, Doorie. He ended it all with a Bihu song.

Before leaving the stage, he promised his fans an encore. "Wherever I am, I am always with you. I will be back soon," he promised, even as his fans, some of them perched on trees, yelled "once more". The programme started at 8.30pm and ended around 10pm.

Earlier, he had told The Telegraph: "I am glad that I am back at Nandan. In Guwahati, Nandan is my home. I have many a fond memory associated with this place. I have performed hundreds of times here during my struggling days in the city."

Recalled a hotel employee: "Only a few years ago, he used to sleep in the lounge of Hotel Nandan here to get a chance to perform at one of its daily shows."

As soon as Amit drove into Guwahati, he headed for the Kamakhya Temple.

But he has no regrets over missing the crown. "For any artiste, it is the love and adulation of the fans that matter the most. And I have received an immense amount of love from my fans," said Amit.

Refraining from passing any comment on the controversy surrounding the system of SMS voting for selecting singing talent, he said he has offers from Bollywood. "Let's see how things shape up."

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071003/asp/northeast/story_83 89751.asp